Consumption Of Salt in The Food Among Dental Students - A Questionnaire Based Survey

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to determine the amount of salt used in Saveetha dental college. The relationship between dietary sodium (Na) intake and the prevalence of some diet-related diseases has long been recognised Thus, reducing dietary sodium intake has become a public health priority in several countries. Consequently, some governments have enacted policies aimed at reducing the salt (NaCl) content of foods , as sodium levels are often increased by salt in food (1 g of NaCl = 400 mg of Na). This survey was done to assess the knowledge and awareness on the consumption of salt in the food among dental students..A convenient sample size of 100 consecutive adults, students and staff from various departments of Saveetha dental college participated in this study. A cross sectional observational online based study was conducted. Questionnaire was constructed on a survey planet website with dichotomous responses and multiple choice questions. 44.3% of the respondents are aware that increased salt consumption can lead to hypertension. 40% are aware that increased salt consumption can lead to mental problems and 12.2% are aware that increased salt consumption can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. 48.7% of the respondents are not aware of the effects of preparation of meals with high content of salt, 31.3% of the respondents are aware and 20% of the respondents prefer that meals with high salt content are very good for health. 62.6% of the respondents are not happy with the food .The awareness of harmful effects of excessive salt consumption was moderate among the dental students.