Resumen

LEMA, Silvia N; LONGO, Elsa N  y  VAZQUEZ, Marisa B. Salt and Health: knowledge and risk perception according to young people and health professionals. Diaeta [online]. 2016, vol.34, n.154, pp.5-16. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: Qualitative techniques allow comprehending how a portion of reality is perceived and described by its actors. Objectives: 1) Identifying knowledge about salt, its impact on the organism, recommended daily salt intake and risk perception when exceeded in people from 21 to 30 years old. 2) Knowing through health professionals knowledge and perceptions in populations assisted by them. Method: Qualitative research by in-depth interviews to 7 young people and 4 health professionals (cardiologist-hypertension specialist; pediatrician; registered dietitian; general practitioner). Results: Professionals: Consultations due to symptoms or pathological event predominated; women had more preventive practices than men; people ignored salt's impact on the organism (except when they had their own or known pathological history) and food salt content; resistance to change relied on taste, lifestyles and social situations; educative and health systems, clubs and mass media could broadcast recommendations of scientific societies; food industry should provide low-salt products without increasing their prices. Young people: health care included a "healthy diet" associated with eating a variety of foods, more fruits and vegetables and less frying but salt was not mentioned; they associated salt intake with harmful effects on the body without being subject of their concern; they identified table or cooking salt as the principal source of sodium but not processed food; they admitted resistance to habits change; recommended daily salt intake (5-6g NaCl) was ignored as well as its translation to food choices; educational activities through social networks were suggested. Conclusions: Knowledge about recommended daily salt intake, risk perceptions about excessive salt intake or preventive practices were not found.

Palabras clave : Salt; Health; Young people; Risk perception; Prevention.

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