O-36 Sodium and Potassium Consumption in Jamaica: National Estimates from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016–2017

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016–2017. Participants were non-institutionalized Jamaicans, =15 years. Trained staff collected sociodemographic and health data via interviewer administered questionnaires and collected spot urine samples. Formulae from the Pan American Health Organization were used to estimate 24-hour urine sodium and potassium excretion. High sodium was defined as = 2000 mg/day and low potassium as <3510 mg/day (World Health Organization criteria). Associations of these outcomes with sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours were explored in sex specific models.

Results: Analyses included 1009 participants (368 males, 641 females; mean age 48.5 years). Mean sodium excretion was 3582 mg/day (males 3943 mg/day, females 3245 mg/day, p < 0.001). Mean potassium excretion was 2052 mg/day (males 2210 mg/day, females 1904 mg/day, p = 0.001). The prevalence of high sodium consumption was 66.6% (males 72.8%, female 60.7%, p < 0.001) and low potassium intake was 88.8% (85.1% males, 92.3% females, p < 0.001). In sex-specific multivariable models, high sodium consumption was associated with age category (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.18, p = 0.017 for age group 35–54 vs. 15–34 years) and current smoking (PR 1.20, p = 0.015) among men. There were no significant associations with these variables among women.

Conclusion: The majority of adult Jamaicans have diets high in sodium and low in potassium. Urgent public health interventions are needed to reduce salt consumption and increase potassium intake to address the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease currently being experienced.