Salt And Health Awareness In India: Insights Into Knowledge And Behaviour From An Adult Population Survey

Abstract

Background: Excessive dietary salt intake is a major contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends limiting salt consumption to ≤5 g/day, yet intake in India remains nearly twice this target. This study assessed salt-related awareness, knowledge, behaviours, and preferences among Indian adults, and identified demographic, behavioural, and clinical predictors of awareness.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 510 adults across multiple Indian states using a 34-item questionnaire covering demographics, salt-use practices, awareness of daily intake, knowledge of WHO recommendations, label-checking behaviour, and openness to low-sodium substitutes. Descriptive statistics summarised sample characteristics. Group differences were analysed using chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD, and multiple linear regression was applied to identify predictors of awareness.

Results: Awareness of daily salt intake was moderate (mean score 2.55 ± 1.26) and significantly associated with age (p<0.05), frequency of fast-food consumption (p<0.001), and label-checking behaviour (p<0.001). Frequent snackers and daily fast-food consumers reported the lowest awareness, whereas label-checkers were almost twice as likely to restrict salt. Participants with hypertension and chronic kidney disease showed higher awareness, received more dietary advice, and attempted restriction more frequently than those without conditions. Most respondents preferred medium or low salt, and 64.7% expressed willingness to adopt plant-based substitutes if affordable.

Conclusion: Salt awareness varies by age, dietary behaviour, and clinical status. Multi-pronged interventions, including nutrition education, label literacy campaigns, and promotion of affordable substitutes, are essential to meet India’s salt-reduction goals.