Factors Influencing Food Literacy for Sodium Reduction among Prehypertensive Adults in Roi Et Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
Daranee Chitsongsawat¹, Kasama Wongprachum¹, Srisuda Thongbuaban², Thidarat Somdee¹
Affiliation : ¹ Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand; ² Internal Medicine Department, Mahasarakham Hospital, Mahasarakham, Thailand
Background: Sodium intake directly affects the development of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension. Promoting sodium-reduction dietary literacy offers a viable approach to reducing risk factors associated with hypertension.
Objective: To determine the level of food literacy for sodium reduction (FLS) and to investigate the factors associated with FLS among prehypertensive adults receiving primary care services in Roi Et Province, Thailand.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study explored the factors influencing FLS among 674 prehypertensive adults attending primary care in Roi Et Province, Thailand. The participants, aged over 35 years, were selected through multistage sampling. FLS was assessed using a validated 32-item questionnaire, and sodium intake was measured via 24-hour urine collection.
Results: Of the 674 participants, 63.5% showed inadequate FLS. Multiple logistic regression showed that regular exercise (AOR 1.88), strong family support (AOR 2.87), greater knowledge of food and sodium (AOR 1.50), and positive sodium consumption behaviors (AOR 2.58) were significantly associated with better FLS (all p<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions that enhance food literacy (FL), encourage family involvement, and promote healthy lifestyle habits to reduce sodium intake and prevent hypertension.
Received 5 September 2025 | Revised 29 October 2025 | Accepted 4 November 2025
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2025.12.998-1005-03319
Keywords : Food literacy; Sodium reduction; Prehypertensive adults
