A Scoping Review on Salt Reduction Intervention

ABSTRACT

@#Excessive salt intake has been linked to the development of hypertension and non-communicable diseases. This study aims to explore the different types of salt reduction intervention implemented among adults aged ≥18 years and to identify the suitable settings, duration and tools used for effective salt reduction interventions. This review adapted the established structured scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Related articles from the year 2008 to 2018 were retrieved based on the study objectives using keywords in electronic databases and through a bibliographic search of books, reports, conference proceedings, posters and summaries. Out of 130 potentially relevant full-text articles assessed, 14 articles were included in the review. Suitable salt reduction initiatives for the community who regularly consume home-cooked food are through cooking and usage of a tool such as a salt-restriction spoon, together with awareness on the benefits of salt reduction in their daily diet. Healthy catering initiative should be implemented in the workplace or institution-based settings. Policy development targeting the source of salts such as mandatory usage of salt-substitutes or Front-of-Pack labelling of salt content in all food products suitable for population-level intervention.