Nutr Res Pract.  2014 Dec;8(6):719-723. 10.4162/nrp.2014.8.6.719.

Early adulthood: an overlooked age group in national sodium reduction initiatives in South Korea

• Park S
• Lee J
• Kwon KI
• Kim JW
• Byun JE
• Kang BW
• Choi BY
• Park HK

• KMID: 2313800
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2014.8.6.719

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
South Korean's sodium consumption level is more than twice the upper limit level suggested by the WHO. Steep increases in the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Korea necessitate more effective sodium reduction programs. This study was conducted in order to compare sodium intake-related eating behaviors and key psychosocial factors according to age group and gender.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
Using an online survey, a total of 1,564 adults (20-59 years old) considered to be geographically representative of South Korea were recruited and surveyed. The major outcomes were perceived behaviors, knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy related to sodium intake.
RESULTS
The results show that perceived behavior and level of self-efficacy related to low sodium consumption differed by age and gender. Female participants showed better behavior and intention towards low sodium intake than male counterparts. Young participants in their 20s showed the lowest intention to change their current sodium intake as well as lowest self-efficacy measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Future sodium reduction interventions should be developed with tailored messages targeting different age and gender groups. Specifically, interventions can be planned and implemented at the college level or for workers in their early career to increase their intention and self-efficacy as a means of preventing future health complications associated with high sodium intake.

Keyword

Early adulthood; sodium intake; self-efficacy; social marketing; South Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cardiovascular Diseases
Feeding Behavior
Female
Humans
Hypertension
Intention
Korea
Male
Prevalence
Psychology
Social Marketing
Sodium*
Sodium

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