AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING LOW-SODIUM SALT SUBSTITUTES AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN KARNATAKA: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Excessive dietary salt intake is a major modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS), in which part of sodium chloride is replaced with potassium salts, have emerged as a promising strategy to reduce sodium intake at the population level. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding low-sodium salt substitutes among rural households of Sullia taluk, Karnataka, and to examine the association between selected sociodemographic factors and awareness of these substitutes. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to April 2025 among 800 households in rural Sullia taluk using cluster sampling. The primary cook of each household was interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Only 54 respondents (6.75%) had heard about low-sodium salt substitutes. Knowledge regarding their indications and contraindications was reported by 38 (4.75%) and 2 (0.25%) respondents respectively, and none were aware that these substitutes contain potassium. While 72.87% of respondents knew that excessive salt intake could cause health problems, only 36.12% recognized its association with hypertension. Awareness of recommended salt intake was observed in 5.5% of respondents, and only 0.37% correctly identified the recommended daily intake. Awareness of LSSS was significantly associated with higher educational and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge regarding low-sodium salt substitutes were extremely limited among rural households. Strengthening community education and integrating salt reduction strategies into existing non-communicable disease prevention programs may help promote healthier dietary practices.