Abstract P056: Quality Assessment Of Consumer-facing Sodium Reduction Websites

• DOI: 10.1161/circ.145.suppl_1.p056
• Publication Date: 2022-04-07T15:49:21Z
• Authors: Tasfia Hussain; Taha Ahmedna; Matti Marklund; Lawrence J Appel; Megan Henry
• Keywords: Misinformation; Low sodium

Objective: To evaluate the quality of information and guidance on dietary sodium reduction available consumer-facing websites. Methods: Google Trends was used to identify five most search terms related reduction. For each term, top 20 websites were collected. Of 93 unique websites, 69 met inclusion criteria. Each website evaluated using 14 questions in three categories ("information", "guidance", “accuracy”). question, scored a 3-step scale (“none”, “somewhat”, “adequate”). Results: Overall, only addressed adequately by majority (Figure). Many provided adverse health effects high diet (74%, n=51) or mentioned intake recommendations (64%, n=44). Information sources potassium difference between salt largely missing. Most (80%, n=55) lifestyle strategies reduce blood pressure, but did not provide for purchasing preparing food with less sodium. Misinformation uncommon. Conclusion: Consumers seeking online will find offer accurate limited information, insufficient how lower intake. Practical tools relevant skills should be included effective Figure. Quality identified (n=69) help consumers trends frequently regarding The applied designed presence guidance, accuracy as “none”, “adequate”. Two researchers (TH TA) independently assessed question website, disagreements resolved consensus consulting third investigator (MEH).