Preliminary Findings on Salt Consumption Patterns and Hypertension Occurrence in the Sampuabalo Coastal Area

Introduction and Methods Communities residing in coastal areas are vulnerable to hypertension, which is closely linked to high-sodium dietary patterns. This preliminary report aimed to evaluate salt consumption habits and their tendency toward hypertension prevalence in Sampuabalo Village, Buton Regency. This descriptive observational study was conducted from June to July 2026. The sample consisted of 45 patients aged 18–59 years within the working area of the Siontapina Community Health Center (Puskesmas), selected using purposive sampling. Salt intake habits were evaluated using the Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ), while blood pressure was objectively measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately through cross-tabulation. Results The mean age of the respondents was 51.4 ± 5.9 years. Dietary pattern evaluations revealed that the majority of respondents (82.2%) did not restrict their daily salt intake, which aligned with the high prevalence of hypertension in the sample group (75.6%). Cross-tabulation results showed that 81.1% of respondents with excessive salt consumption experienced hypertension, compared to 50.0% in the group that restricted salt intake. Responses from the DSRQ reflected that a preference for salty flavors and coastal dietary culture remain major barriers to blood pressure control. Conclusions and Recommendation These preliminary findings indicate a tendency linking high-sodium dietary culture with the high occurrence of hypertension in Sampuabalo Village. Preventive health interventions in the form of low-salt diet education from relevant institutions are urgently needed, accompanied by larger-scale follow-up epidemiological studies to confirm these findings. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) This article evaluates salt consumption patterns and the occurrence of hypertension among the coastal community of Sampuabalo Village, within the working area of the Siontapina Community Health Center. The findings regarding high salt intake and hypertension prevalence among the majority of respondents support non-communicable disease prevention programs, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Target 3.4 on the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.