Implementation Intentions on the Effect of Salt Intake among Hypertensive Women: A Pilot Study

Abstract EN

This experimental study was aimed at assessing the potential effect of a theory-driven intervention—implementation intentions—on reducing salt intake among hypertensive Brazilian women.

Ninety-eight participants were randomly assigned to participate in an implementation intentions intervention aimed at promoting lower salt intake through decreased addition of salt and salty spices to meals (intervention group, n = 49 ; group, n = 49 ).

Endpoints were assessed at baseline and at the 2-month follow-up.

Primary endpoints were a self-reporting measure of salt intake given by salt addition to meals (discretionary salt + salty spices = total added salt) and the 24 h urinary-sodium excretion.

Secondary endpoints included intention, self-efficacy, and habit related to adding salt to meals.

Patients in the intervention group showed a significant reduction in salt intake as assessed by 24 h urinary-sodium excretion.

A significant reduction in the measure of habit was observed for both groups.

No differences were observed for intention and self-efficacy.

The results of this pilot study suggest the efficacy of planning strategies to help hypertensive women reduce their salt intake.