Understanding Salt Consumption Patterns and Health Risks: A Study among Young Adults in Lucknow

Abstract

Salt represents an important component in modest levels for the body's proper functioning. Salt is an inorganic substance composed of sodium and chloride ions. Salt is beneficial to human health as it enhances flavour and preserves food, particularly throughout the season. The purpose of our study was to evaluate young people' knowledge, habits, and salt consumption patterns in Lucknow. In this survey, 200 people took part. The data was collected through convenience sampling technique. this study was a cross section and non-interventional. The results showed that 42% of participants consuming the recommended amount of salt and 10% being unaware of their intake. awareness of the health risks associated with excessive salt intake was high among the participants, with 98% acknowledging the potential health issues. there was variability in perceptions of the importance of reducing salt intake, with 41% deeming it crucial, 13% not considering it important at all, and 7% unaware of how to reduce salt intake. 99.5% acknowledged the risk of high blood pressure, 97% recognized the risk of kidney disease, 96% were aware of the risk of stroke and 95% understood the risk of heart attack. the awareness of the recommended daily salt intake as per the world health organization (who) was less consistent which 57% of participants were aware of the recommended salt intake and 43% were not aware of the who guidelines. Participants tendency to add salt or seasoning in their meals and we can see the result majority of participants, 133 (67%), reported regularly adding salt for seasoning, while 47 participants (23%) indicated that they never add extra salt to their meals. participants tendencies to consume processed foods. The majority, 85%, reported consuming processed foods occasionally, while only 3% indicated that they never eat processed foods.