Research Showcase Abstracts
Explore abstracts from CFDR’s annual research showcase at the DC Conference.
Year
2009
Language
English
Title
Ecologic view of perceptions and motivations to sodium reduction: State of the knowledge
Introduction/Purpose
Anna Farmer, PhD, MPH, RD, University of Alberta began work on her project in January 2009. The project on sodium intake was funded by CFDR in collaboration with the British Columbia Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.
In May 2009 Dr. Farmer was a keynote speaker at CFDR's Partners' Breakfast and presented some background information that led to the development of her research project. She highlighted some of the known health risks associated with high sodium intake, specifically high blood pressure and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that a 50% reduction in salt may reduce hypertension and coronary heart disease and could save 150,000 lives annually.
In looking at current education programs Dr. Farmer found that current information is not very effective in reducing Canadians’ sodium intake. After reviewing the literature available, she and her colleagues determined that more research is needed to elucidate consumer understanding.
All of this background information led to the development of the research project which is designed to provide an understanding of the perceptions and motivations to reduce dietary sodium across different contexts through an ecological lens. The research team believes that there are a variety of influences on individuals and their behaviours:
Social environment – family, friends and peers
Physical environment – home, worksites, school, restaurants, etc.
Macro-level influence – societal norms and values, the food and beverage industry, food marketing and the media, government policies, and more.
Individual behaviours – attitudes, knowledge, preference; skills; lifestyle, outcome expectations, and others.
The research project will include a literature review, a quantitative study, and a qualitative study. Participants in the study will include consumers, health care practitioners, food producers and researchers, and policy makers.
Dr. Farmer’s research project is expected to add to the gaps in the literature for understanding the relationships among different factors that may influence perceptions and motivations regarding sodium intake; and to help to inform and shape various strategies aimed at reducing sodium intakes of Canadians, dietary guidance messages and product communications.
In May 2009 Dr. Farmer was a keynote speaker at CFDR's Partners' Breakfast and presented some background information that led to the development of her research project. She highlighted some of the known health risks associated with high sodium intake, specifically high blood pressure and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that a 50% reduction in salt may reduce hypertension and coronary heart disease and could save 150,000 lives annually.
In looking at current education programs Dr. Farmer found that current information is not very effective in reducing Canadians’ sodium intake. After reviewing the literature available, she and her colleagues determined that more research is needed to elucidate consumer understanding.
All of this background information led to the development of the research project which is designed to provide an understanding of the perceptions and motivations to reduce dietary sodium across different contexts through an ecological lens. The research team believes that there are a variety of influences on individuals and their behaviours:
Social environment – family, friends and peers
Physical environment – home, worksites, school, restaurants, etc.
Macro-level influence – societal norms and values, the food and beverage industry, food marketing and the media, government policies, and more.
Individual behaviours – attitudes, knowledge, preference; skills; lifestyle, outcome expectations, and others.
The research project will include a literature review, a quantitative study, and a qualitative study. Participants in the study will include consumers, health care practitioners, food producers and researchers, and policy makers.
Dr. Farmer’s research project is expected to add to the gaps in the literature for understanding the relationships among different factors that may influence perceptions and motivations regarding sodium intake; and to help to inform and shape various strategies aimed at reducing sodium intakes of Canadians, dietary guidance messages and product communications.
Objective(s)/Process or Summary of Content
Impact of sodium on health
Canadians’ sodium consumption
Educational programs and interventions Ecologic view of sodium reduction
Data collection and survey tools
Canadians’ sodium consumption
Educational programs and interventions Ecologic view of sodium reduction
Data collection and survey tools
Conclusions(s)/Recommendations
Add to gaps in the literature for understanding the linkages, the relationships among different factors that may influence perceptions and motivations regarding sodium intake.
Aid to inform and shape various strategies aimed at reducing sodium intakes of Canadians, dietary guidance messages and product communications 53
Aid to inform and shape various strategies aimed at reducing sodium intakes of Canadians, dietary guidance messages and product communications 53
