Sodium Intake Measurement in Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation

Restricting salt (sodium) intake is crucial in managing hypertension, and requires precise measurement for effective control. This research evaluated various sodium assessment methods among people with high blood pressure. Utilizing systematic review, quantitative validation, and qualitative interviews, this PhD project provided valuable insights into existing dietary and urinary sodium assessment techniques, highlighting their limitations when applied to individuals with high blood pressure. It also assessed participant experiences when undergoing these assessments in a multicultural Malaysian setting. Findings informed the selection of optimal methods, recommended the need for alternative method development, and stressed the necessity for contextual adaptation of assessment methods in population-level interventions and policies targeting salt reduction in people with high blood pressure.