"Turn my abstract paper into a 36x48 inch scientific poster with Introduction, Methods, Results, Implication for nutrition, conclusion and references; export as PPT" Salt Intake, Obesity, and Hypertension among Ghanaian Adults: Evidence from the RODAM-Pros Cohort Samuel Kwasi Apedo1, Fidelia A. A. Dake1, Charles Agyemang2 Author Affiliation 1 Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2 Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Introduction: Ghana is experiencing a nutrition transition characterised by changing dietary patterns, including consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, which is occurring alongside a growing burden of obesity and hypertension. However, evidence on the relationship between salt intake, obesity, and hypertension remains under-researched in the rapidly changing context. This study examined the association between estimated salt intake and hypertension and assessed whether obesity mediates this relationship among Ghanaian adults. Methods: Population/Data source: Data from 393 Ghanaian adults aged ≥18 years participating in the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) Prospective Cohort (2019–2021) were analysed. Study Measures: Salt intake was estimated from morning spot urine samples using the Tanaka equation. Obesity was assessed using waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertension was classified from the average of three blood pressure readings, with systolic blood pressure >120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >80 mmHg indicating hypertension. Data analysis: Binary logistic regression examined predictors of hypertension, while mediation analysis assessed the mediating role of central obesity on the relationship between salt intake and hypertension. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio version 4.6.1, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Hypertension affected 57.2% of participants, 82.2% had central obesity, and 65.3% had moderate salt intake (5–9 g/day). Salt intake was positively correlated with systolic (r=0.198, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.154, p=0.002), but not with waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.004, p=0.930). Obesity did not mediate the salt intake–hypertension relationship (Sobel z=0.19, p=0.849). After adjustment, each 1 g/day increase in salt intake was associated with 31% higher odds of hypertension (aOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.05–1.62, p=0.015). Among the control factors analysed, older age increased hypertension odds, whereas greater wealth was protective. Implication for nutrition studies Packaged foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases Clear front-of-package warning labels, food-labelling policies, public awareness campaigns, and reduction and taxation of ultra-processed foods remain imp of hypertension prevention in Ghana.
"Turn my abstract paper into a 36x48 inch scientific poster with Introduction, Methods, Results, Implication for nutrition, conclusion and references; export as PPT"
Salt Intake, Obesity, and Hypertension among Ghanaian Adults: Evidence from the RODAM-Pros Cohort
Samuel Kwasi Apedo1, Fidelia A. A. Dake1, Charles Agyemang2
Author Affiliation
1 Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.
2 Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Introduction: Ghana is experiencing a nutrition transition characterised by changing dietary patterns, including consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, which is occurring alongside a growing burden of obesity and hypertension.
However, evidence on the relationship between salt intake, obesity, and hypertension remains under-researched in the rapidly changing context.
This study examined the association between estimated salt intake and hypertension and assessed whether obesity mediates this relationship among Ghanaian adults.
Methods:
Population/Data source: Data from 393 Ghanaian adults aged ≥18 years participating in the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) Prospective Cohort (2019–2021) were analysed.
Study Measures: Salt intake was estimated from morning spot urine samples using the Tanaka equation. Obesity was assessed using waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertension was classified from the average of three blood pressure readings, with systolic blood pressure >120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >80 mmHg indicating hypertension.
Data analysis: Binary logistic regression examined predictors of hypertension, while mediation analysis assessed the mediating role of central obesity on the relationship between salt intake and hypertension. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio version 4.6.1, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Hypertension affected 57.2% of participants, 82.2% had central obesity, and 65.3% had moderate salt intake (5–9 g/day). Salt intake was positively correlated with systolic (r=0.198, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.154, p=0.002), but not with waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.004, p=0.930). Obesity did not mediate the salt intake–hypertension relationship (Sobel z=0.19, p=0.849). After adjustment, each 1 g/day increase in salt intake was associated with 31% higher odds of hypertension (aOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.05–1.62, p=0.015). Among the control factors analysed, older age increased hypertension odds, whereas greater wealth was protective.
Implication for nutrition studies
Packaged foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases
Clear front-of-package warning labels, food-labelling policies, public awareness campaigns, and reduction and taxation of ultra-processed foods remain imp of hypertension prevention in Ghana.
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This study investigates the rising rates of hypertension in Ghana, linked to nutrition transition and salt intake. Conducted on 393 adults from 2019 to 2021, it reveals that increased salt consumption raises hypertension odds by 31%, without mediation from obesity. Findings indicate that 57.2% of participants are hypertensive, with a significant prevalence of central obesity and moderate salt intake. The study advocates for enhanced labelling, education, taxation, and salt reduction...