Sodium and Potassium Consumption in Jamaica: National Estimates and Associated Factors from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016-2017

Objective To estimate dietary sodium and potassium consumption among Jamaicans and evaluate associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. 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. The Pan American Health Organization Formulae 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 and clinical characteristics were explored in sex specific multivariable ANOVA 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). Among males, sodium consumption was inversely associated with older age and prehypertension, but directly associated with current smoking and obesity. Among females, sodium consumption was inversely associated with hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, low GFR and high physical activity, but was directly associated with obesity. Conclusion Most Jamaican adults have diets high in sodium and low in potassium. Sodium consumption was directly associated with obesity in both men and women. Population based strategies are therefore required to address these cardiovascular risk factors.