Determinants of Non-compliance with Sodium Restriction in Hypertensive Patients in a Cardiology Department: Case of a Hospital in Southern Benin

Introduction: High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A previous study in Benin found that high sodium and low potassium consumption are associated with the occurrence of hypertension and CVD. Nutritional therapy in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure is a real challenge in terms of compliance with sodium restriction for the success of the treatment.

Aim: The study aims to analyze the factors influencing non-compliance with sodium restriction among hypertensive patients in a cardiology department at a hospital in Southern Benin.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical focus. Total daily salt intake was estimated in a cross-sectional study of 166 hypertensive (156) and heart failure (10) subjects monitored in the cardiology department of the “Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Hubert Koutoukou Maga” (CNHU-HKM), using two 24-hour recalls combined with a food frequency questionnaire for salt-providing foods.

Results: Out of the 166 patients, 10 (6%) had heart failure and 156 (94%) had hypertension. Out of the study, 83.7% of patients had a daily intake above recommendations. Factors associated with the non-compliance of salt restriction were the lack of knowledge of palliative spices and herbs of salty taste (p=0.009) and the consumption of salty snack foods and salty peanuts (p=0.032).

Conclusion: Nutritional education and support activities should be carried out to improve salt reduction compliance for the patients.