Publication: Dietary Salt Intake in a Suburban Nepali Community: A Cross-sectional Study Using 24-Hour Urinary Sodium
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
High dietary salt intake is a recognized contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular
diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the high burden
of hypertension in Nepal, robust estimates of salt intake using the gold standard 24-
hour urinary sodium collection remain scarce, especially in suburban populations.
Objective
To accurately assess dietary salt intake using 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and
evaluate factors influencing salt consumption in a suburban Nepali population.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023-2024 as part of the Dhulikhel Heart
Study’s second phase. A total of 381 adult participants were recruited from randomly
selected wards of Dhulikhel Municipality. Data on sociodemographic characteristics,
dietary habits, salt-related knowledge, and anthropometry were collected. Salt
intake was estimated from 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Generalized Estimating
Equations (GEE) and multivariate analyses were used to identify associated factors.
Result
The mean age of the participants was 49.9 ± 15.5 years and average salt consumption
was 9.55 ± 3.2 g/day. The mean dietary salt intake significantly exceeded WHO
recommendations, with notable variations by sex, education, and frequency of
eating out.
Conclusion
This study highlights alarmingly high salt intake in a suburban Nepali community
and underscores the need for population-specific strategies to reduce sodium
consumption. Policy action, public education, and promotion of healthier dietary
behaviors are essential to combat the growing burden of salt-related non-
communicable diseases.
KEY WORDS
Blood pressure, Dietary salt intake, 24-hours urine sodium
Description
Bhatt RD,1 Shrestha A,2 Karmacharya BM,2 Timalsena D,2 Dhimal MN,3 Pradhan P,4 Oli N,5
Bista D,6 Pyakurel M,7 Barakoti R,8 Mishra R,8 Risal P1
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry
2Department of Public Health
Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
3Nepal Health Research Council
4Department of Community Medicine
Institute of Medicine, TUTH
5Department of Community Medicine
Kathmandu Medical College
6Department of Pharmacy
Kathmandu University School of Science
7Green Tara Nepal
8Ministry of Health and Population
Keywords
Blood pressure, Dietary salt intake, 24-hours urine sodium