Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the daily salt intake of healthy ambulant Nigerian adults. A total of 300 participants aged between 20 and 60 years were recruited for the study. Their dietary salt intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method on three non-consecutive days. In addition, spot urine samples were collected to measure urinary sodium excretion as a biomarker of salt intake. The participants were also asked to provide information on their demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education level, and physical activity level. The results showed that the estimated daily salt intake of the participants was significantly higher than the recommended intake levels by the World Health Organization (WHO). The mean salt intake was found to be 10.5 grams per day, which is more than double the WHO's recommended limit of 5 grams per day. There was also a significant difference in salt intake between males and females, with males consuming more salt on average compared to females. Furthermore, the urinary sodium excretion levels were consistent with the estimated salt intake from the dietary recall method, indicating the reliability of using spot urine samples to assess salt intake in this population. The study also found that age and education level were significant factors influencing salt intake, with younger participants and those with lower education levels consuming more salt on average. In conclusion, this study highlights the high salt intake levels among healthy ambulant Nigerian adults, which could have negative implications for their cardiovascular health. Public health interventions aimed at reducing salt intake in this population are warranted to prevent the development of hypertension and other related conditions. Further research is needed to explore the factors contributing to high salt intake in this population and to develop targeted interventions to promote salt reduction.

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