Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dietary Sodium in College Students

Abstract Objective Test a dietary sodium survey in a US adult population of college students using a survey previously validated in a non-US adult population. Methods Cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of college students from a Midwest (n = 168) and Pacific Island (n = 152) university. Main outcome measures were knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dietary sodium (38 items). Sum scores and percentages for constructs were calculated. A score Results Midwest students were primarily non-Hispanic White individuals (81%) and 65% female. Pacific Island students were predominantly Asian (51%) and 66% female. Mean ± SD construct scores (percentage) for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 58.69 ± 10.62, 63.96 ± 16.18, 66.00 ± 12.34 (Midwest) and 57.54 ± 10.93, 64.84 ± 14.96, 64.94 ± 13.18 (Pacific Island), respectively; there were no significant differences between schools or race. Conclusions and Implications College students scored low in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sodium. Results from this formative study may inform assessment strategies in future dietary sodium interventions.