engleski

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension and salt intake in some rural areas of Sisak – Moslavina county, Croatia

Background and purpose: High salt intake through food rich in salt is one of the important risk factors for hypertension, and even modest reduction in salt intake lowers the blood pressure (BP). In Croatia 91.6 % of the total territory is classified as rural and 47.6% of population live in rural regions. The study was conducted in order to determine salt intake and awareness on harmful effect of salt on BP, prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in rural part of Sisak - Moslavina County (SMC), third largest county in Croatia. Materials and methods: In total there were 107 participants, 50 (46.7%) male, and 57 (53.3%) female. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or current treatment with an antihypertensive medication. Treated hypertension was defined as the current use of an antihypertensive medication. Salt intake was estimated based on questionnaire results. Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 84% for male and 77.2% for female. Out of 88 hypertensive participants, 76.7% were treated, and hypertension of 59.1% was uncontrolled. Salt intake was high. 71% of participants were aware that salt intake is related to hypertension, 70% did not know main sources of salt intake in every day meal, and only 39.2% were advised by health professionals. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension, nutrition without variety but rich in salt, and unsatisfactory knowledge on harmful effect of salt on BP and health should attract attention of national and local public health authorities to apply proper measures.

hypertension; salt intake; awareness; rural population

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