Harbin Medical University, China (People's Republic)
As a PhD student in Public Health at Harbin Medical University, China, my research focuses on understanding dietary patterns and their impact on chronic disease prevention. My current study, titled “Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake, Sources, and Salt-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior among Rural Adults in Four Provinces of China: A Cross-Sectional Study,” investigates the critical issue of excessive sodium intake and insufficient potassium consumption in rural populations, which are key risk factors for hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Through face-to-face interviews, 24-hour urine sample collection, and 24-hour dietary recall surveys, I have identified concerning dietary patterns related to sodium and potassium intake, as well as salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among rural adults in four provinces of China. My findings reveal that most participants consumed significantly more sodium than the recommended daily intake, with salt being the primary contributor. In contrast, potassium intake was far below recommended levels, primarily due to limited consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. These results highlight the nutritional challenges faced by rural adults and underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions in resource-limited settings.