Dietary Salt Consumption Patterns among adults aged 18 to 69 years in Tanzania: The Results From the 2023 STEPS Survey

Abstract

Background: Higher dietary salt intakes in prevalent globally. WHO estimates that nearly all populations globally (99.2%) consume more than the recommended daily dietary salt limit of 5mgs/day. Higher salt intake is of public health concerns as it increases morbidity and morbidity associated with high blood pressure, stroke, and stomach cancer. This study estimates the magnitude of higher dietary salt intake and risk factors among adults aged 18-69 in Tanzania. Methods: This study was part of the parent study - the STEPS survey conducted across all 31 regions of Tanzania in 2023. A total of 222 enumeration areas were involved. 15 Households (HH) were randomly selected in each EA, and one individual was selected in each HH. The outcomes of interest (dietary salt intake) and risk factors were measured using the adapted WHO STEPS Survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were done to measure the association between the risk factors and outcome. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most participants (97%) consumed more than the recommended 5 mg of salt per day. Normal-weight participants (BMI 18–24.9 kg/m²) [APR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.05–1.14] and overweight or obese participants (BMI 25 kg/m² or higher) [APR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.16] were significantly more likely to have high dietary salt intake. No notable differences in high salt intake were found by location, zone, sex, marital status, education, depression, or drinking status. Conclusion: Salt intake is still a public health challenge as it poses one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and cancer. Efforts should continue to raise public awareness to reduce national salt intake to mitigate the risks associated with higher consumption.