Development of a model for reducing salt consumption in a group suspected of hypertension in Khan Subdistrict, Sanom District, Surin Province

Abstract

     This action research aimed to develop and evaluate a salt reduction model among suspected hypertensive patients in Kan Subdistrict, Sanom District, Surin Province. The study was conducted between January and June 2025 using Kemmis and McTaggart's PAOR cycle. The sample consisted of 12 community stakeholders and 20 suspected patients. The research instruments were focus group discussion guidelines, data recording forms, salinity detectors, and blood pressure monitors, which were quality-checked. The study conducted the PAOR cycle. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Paired-T test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

     The results of the study found that there were 4 main approaches to the salt reduction model among suspected hypertensive patients: providing accessible knowledge, promoting salt-reduced cooking skills, creating an environment conducive to salt reduction, and continuous follow-up and motivation. With a 3-month action plan, the post-implementation evaluation results found that the average knowledge about salt and sodium consumption increased (p=0.001), the level of saltiness of the food consumed decreased (p<0.001), and most importantly, the systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 14.21 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 7.11 mmHg (p<0.001).