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JAMA Network logoLink to JAMA Network
. 2020 Apr 27;180(6):877–886. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0904

Association of a Province-Wide Intervention With Salt Intake and Hypertension in Shandong Province, China, 2011-2016

Aiqiang Xu 1, Jixiang Ma 2, Xiaolei Guo 1, Linhong Wang 3, Jing Wu 3, Jiyu Zhang 1, Yamin Bai 3, Jianwei Xu 3, Zilong Lu 1, Zhongji Xu 2, Xiaochang Zhang 2, Gangqiang Ding 4, Yuling Hong 5, Fengjun Du 2, Yangfeng Wu 6, Liuxia Yan 3, Junli Tang 1, Xiaoning Cai 3, Jing Dong 1, Chunxiao Xu 1, Jie Ren 1, Xi Chen 1, Congcong Gao 1, Bingyin Zhang 1, Quanhe Yang 5, Ronald Moolenaar 7, Ying Cai 7, Sandra L Jackson 5, Gaoqiang Xie 6, Shicheng Yu 2, Jing Cui 8, Zengwu Wang 9, Liyun Zhao 4, Lahong Ju 4, Danyang Shen 2, Shumei Yun 10, Xiaofeng Liang 2,, Zhenqiang Bi 1,, Yu Wang 2
PMCID: PMC7186913  PMID: 32338717

This cross-sectional study evaluates the change in urinary sodium excretion and other factors associated with blood pressure during a government-led, multisectoral, province-wide 5-year intervention in Shandong Province, China, from 2011 to 2016.

Key Points

Question

Was a government-led, multisectoral, province-wide intervention associated with reduced sodium intake and blood pressure in Shandong Province, China, from 2011 to 2016?

Findings

In this cross-sectional study of 15 350 preintervention participants and 16 490 postintervention participants, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion based on the subsamples of total preintervention and postintervention survey samples decreased 25% from before to after implementation of the intervention. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly.

Meaning

The findings suggest that this population-based intervention was associated with lower urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure in a large population in China.

Abstract

Importance

High salt intake is associated with hypertension, which is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To assess the association of a government-led, multisectoral, and population-based intervention with reduced salt intake and blood pressure in Shandong Province, China.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) program, a 5-year intervention to reduce sodium consumption in Shandong Province, China. Two representative samples of adults (aged 18-69 years) were surveyed in 2011 (15 350 preintervention participants) and 2016 (16 490 postintervention participants) to examine changes in blood pressure, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sodium intake. Urine samples were collected from random subsamples (2024 preintervention participants and 1675 postintervention participants) for measuring sodium and potassium excretion. Data were analyzed from January 20, 2017, to April 9, 2019.

Interventions

Media campaigns, distribution of scaled salt spoons, promotion of low-sodium products in markets and restaurants, and activities to support household sodium reduction and school-based sodium reduction education.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in urinary sodium excretion. Secondary outcomes were changes in potassium excretion, blood pressure, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Outcomes were adjusted for likely confounders. Means (95% CIs) and percentages were weighted.

Results

Among 15 350 participants in 2011, 7683 (50.4%) were men and the mean age was 40.7 years (95% CI, 40.2-41.2 years); among 16 490 participants in 2016, 8077 (50.7%) were men and the mean age was 42.8 years (95% CI, 42.5-43.1 years). Among participants with 24-hour urine samples, 1060 (51.8%) were men and the mean age was 40.9 years (95% CI, 40.5-41.3 years) in 2011 and 836 (50.7%) were men and the mean age was 40.7 years (95% CI, 40.1-41.4 years) in 2016. The 24-hour urinary sodium excretion decreased 25% from 5338 mg per day (95% CI, 5065-5612 mg per day) in 2011 to 4013 mg per day (95% CI, 3837-4190 mg per day) in 2016 (P < .001), and potassium excretion increased 15% from 1607 mg per day (95% CI, 1511-1704 mg per day) to 1850 mg per day (95% CI, 1771-1929 mg per day) (P < .001). Adjusted mean systolic blood pressure among all participants decreased from 131.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 129.8-133.8 mm Hg) to 130.0 mm Hg (95% CI, 127.7-132.4 mm Hg) (P = .04), and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 83.9 mm Hg (95% CI, 82.6-85.1 mm Hg) to 80.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 79.4-82.1 mm Hg) (P < .001). Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with dietary sodium reduction and hypertension improved significantly.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that a government-led and population-based intervention in Shandong, China, was associated with significant decreases in dietary sodium intake and a modest reduction in blood pressure. The results of SMASH may have implications for sodium reduction and blood pressure control in other regions of China and worldwide.

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in China.1 Hypertension, which affects 23.2% of Chinese adults,2 is an important modifiable risk factor for CVD.3 Excess intake of sodium is associated with increased blood pressure (BP) and with increased risk of CVD.4,5,6,7 In China, the mean dietary salt intake was 10.5 g per day according to the most recent survey in 2012,8 approximately twice the amount recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines9 (<6 g per day) or the World Health Organization (<5 g per day).10

Population-based sodium reduction has been recommended by the World Health Organization as one of the best strategies for controlling CVD.10 Several resource-rich countries have successfully reduced population sodium intake by limiting the sodium content in manufactured food.11,12,13 However, alternative strategies are needed for low- and middle-income countries, such as China, where sodium intake is mainly from food prepared at home. Although randomized clinical trials have shown benefits of sodium reduction on BP,14 less is known about the potential association of population-based interventions with sodium reduction and changes in BP.

The Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) program15 was designed to engage multiple stakeholders in a government-led, collaborative, population-based, practical intervention. The Shandong Province of eastern China is the second most populous province in China, with more than 90 million residents.16 Shandong has been one of China’s largest salt-producing provinces since ancient times.17 In 2002, the mean dietary salt intake was 12.6 g per day in Shandong, which was above the national average.18 This study assessed whether use of this intervention was associated with reduced population sodium consumption and BP.

Methods

Settings

This cross-sectional study used data from the SMASH program. To evaluate the intervention, 2 provincial representative cross-sectional surveys were performed in 2011 (preintervention survey) and 2016 (postintervention survey). SMASH was officially launched in March 2011, and implementation began after the baseline survey was conducted from June to July, 2011. Data were analyzed from January 20, 2017, to April 9, 2019. The preintervention surveys were approved by the ethics committees of the Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The postintervention surveys were approved by the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All participants provided written informed consent and all analytic data were deidentified. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guideline.

Survey Design and Sampling

We used stratified multistage (divided by region and socioeconomic development level) and probability proportional to size sampling methods to select 156 villages or communities in 8 urban districts and 12 rural counties. Random samples of 100 adults in 2011 and 110 adults in 2016 aged 18 to 69 years were drawn from each village or community, with a sum of 15 600 adults in 2011 and 17 160 adults in 2016. Among these participants, we randomly selected a subsample of 2112 individuals in 2011 and 2043 individuals in 2016 from a stratified random sample of 52 villages or communities for 24-hour urine sample collection for sodium and potassium assessment (eFigure 1 and eFigure 2 in the Supplement). The final samples in the 2011 survey consisted of 15 350 participants for the physical examinations and questionnaire interviews and a subsample of 2024 participants with complete 24-hour urinary data. The corresponding numbers were 16 490 participants for the examinations and interviews and 1675 participants for 24-hour urinary data in 2016. Sample size calculation and participation rates are presented in eMethods 1 in the Supplement.

Preintervention and Postintervention Surveys

All individuals were invited to participate in face-to-face interviews and physical examinations conducted in the central office of each community or village. Interviews focused on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KABs) related to dietary sodium intake and hypertension and were administered by trained interviewers to ensure standardized methods (eTable 2 in the Supplement). Physical examinations included measurement of BP, height, weight, and waist circumference. Blood pressure was measured using a certified automated electronic sphygmomanometer (model HEM-7071; Omron Corporation). Details on participant recruitment, technician trainings, BP measurement, urine sample collection and analysis, and quality control measures are given in eMethods 2 in the Supplement and have been published previously.15,19

Intervention

The SMASH program used multisectoral intervention strategies and was implemented by 15 administrative departments across the province (eTable 1 in the Supplement). The program developed local food standards and regulations and promoted salt-reduction actions among caterers, supermarkets, and food-processing enterprises. Low-sodium food displays were established in 1461 supermarkets, promoting customer awareness of sodium labeling. To promote sodium reduction in home cooking, more than 13 million scaled salt spoons were widely distributed to households to facilitate awareness and measurement of salt added to food. The Shandong government launched intensive media campaigns to support the intervention. By the end of 2015, 1777 newspapers and 26 668 public broadcasts were disseminated to deliver relevant messaging to the population province-wide. Millions of posters, pamphlets, and signs were displayed in local schools, communities, restaurants, and cafeterias. More than 74 000 low-sodium diet advertising billboards were set up in communities, and 69 431 trainings were organized in local health agencies for the community members.

Beyond public education, SMASH emphasized the proactive role of women and students in implementing the intervention. For women, who often serve as gatekeepers for diet and health in the household,20 a Family Salt Reduction Campaign was launched in collaboration with the Women Federation. Within the campaign, 1000 families were selected as role models for household sodium intake reduction. School interventions targeting students and their parents were implemented in 17 414 schools (87.5% of schools in Shandong Province).

Another key partner, the Shandong Bureau of Salt Administration, printed low-sodium dietary tips on salt packages indicating that salt intake should not exceed 6 g per day. The bureau also promoted use of a low-sodium salt substitute that contains 30% potassium chloride.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was change in urinary sodium excretion from 2011 through 2016. Secondary outcomes were changes in potassium excretion, BP, and KABs. Results for BP and KABs were presented for all participants with available data, not restricted to the subset with urinary excretion data.

Statistical Analysis

Continuous variables were presented as weighted mean (95% CI), categorical variables were expressed as weighted percentages, and the differences between the 2 surveys were compared, accounting for survey design and sampling weights. Multivariable regression models compared differences in 24-hour urinary sodium levels, potassium levels, sodium to potassium ratio, BP, and KABs between the 2011 and 2016 surveys, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, educational level, body mass index, frequency of eating outside the home, hypertension status, and use of antihypertensive medications. To determine whether SMASH differentially affected subpopulations, we tested for interactions. All statistical tests were 2-sided, with P < .05 considered as statistically significant. Analyses were performed with SAS, version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc).

Results

Among 15 350 participants in 2011, 7683 (50.4%) were men and the mean age was 40.7 years (95% CI, 40.2-41.2 years); among 16 490 participants in 2016, 8077 (50.7%) were men and the mean age was 42.8 years (95% CI, 42.5-43.1 years). Among participants with 24-hour urine samples, 1060 (51.8%) were men and the mean age was 40.9 years (95% CI, 40.5-41.3 years) in 2011 and 836 (50.7%) were men and the mean age was 40.7 years (95% CI, 40.1-41.4 years) in 2016 (Table 1). Other variables were not significantly different between 2011 and 2016. Mean body mass index was higher in 2016 than in 2011.

Table 1. Weighted Characteristics of Participants Aged 18 to 69 Years Between Preintervention and Postintervention Surveysa.

Characteristic Entire sample Subsample
Preintervention (n = 15 350) Postintervention (n = 16 490) P valueb Preintervention (n = 2024) Postintervention (n = 1675) P valueb
No. % (95% CI) No. % (95% CI) No. % (95% CI) No. % (95% CI)
Men 7683 50.4 (49.7-51.1) 8077 50.7 (50.3-51.0) .55 1060 51.8 (50.5-53.1) 836 50.7 (48.6-52.7) .18
Mean age, y 15 350 40.7 (40.2-41.2) 16 490 42.8 (42.5-43.1) <.001 2024 40.9 (40.5-41.3) 1675 40.7 (40.1-41.4) .66
Age group, y
18-44 9197 60.5 (58.7-62.4) 8803 52.7 (51.7-53.8) <.001 1215 59.7 (58.2-61.2) 836 60.5 (58.3-62.8) .78
45-59 3860 29.1 (27.6-30.6) 5745 32.3 (31.4-33.2) 525 30.0 (28.3-31.7) 627 29.1 (26.9-31.3)
60-69 2293 10.3 (9.9-10.8) 1942 15.0 (14.6-15.4) 284 10.3 (9.6-11.1) 212 10.3 (9.1-11.6)
Urban region 4804 29.8 (8.3-51.3) 5108 34.4 (10.7-58.1) .48 641 31.5 (9.3-53.6) 514 34.4 (10.7-58.1) .66
Body mass indexc
Mean 15 337 24.3 (24.1-24.5) 16 490 25.0 (24.8-25.3) <.001 2022 24.4 (24.2-24.7) 1675 24.9 (24.6-25.3) .02
Normal 7609 50.7 (48.3-53.1) 6799 42.5 (40.3-44.7) <.001 983 48.8 (46.3-51.3) 646 43.3 (38.8-47.9) .08
Overweight 5081 32.7 (31.4-34.1) 5913 35.8 (35.0-36.5) 684 34.1 (32.3-35.9) 613 36.6 (32.9-40.3)
Obese 2660 16.6 (14.9-18.2) 3778 21.7 (19.8-23.6) 357 17.1 (15.3-18.9) 416 20.1 (16.0-24.2)
Educational level
Primary middle school and below 11 754 77.2 (72.9-81.5) 12 037 72.9 (65.1-80.6) .28 1519 75.4 (69.6-81.1) 1269 70.4 (61.0-79.8) .32
High school and above 3568 22.8 (18.5-27.1) 4452 27.1 (19.4-34.9) 503 24.6 (18.9-30.4) 406 29.6 (20.2-39.0)
Blood pressure statusd
Normal 6894 46.3 (42.8-49.8) 7859 47.2 (43.7-50.7) .90 926 47.5 (43.2-51.8) 762 49.0 (44.2-53.8) .80
Prehypertension 4769 31.0 (29.2-32.7) 5005 30.8 (28.5-33.1) 643 31.5 (27.8-35.1) 493 29.7 (25.3-34.1)
Hypertensiond 3687 22.7 (20.3-25.2) 3626 22.0 (19.2-24.7) 455 21.0 (17.4-24.6) 420 21.3 (17.5-25.1)
Type of physical work, occupation .25 .12
Hard: farmer, peasant, or manual worker 9628 63.4 (57.8-69.0) 9481 56.4 (47.6-65.1) 1268 62.7 (56.5-68.9) 969 51.9 (41.6-62.2)
Light: service, administrative, technical, professional, or others 5094 33.2 (28.5-37.9) 6127 37.2 (31.5-42.9) 681 33.8 (28.6-39.0) 602 41.2 (33.4-49.0)
Underemployed or retired 613 3.4 (1.8-5.1) 880 6.4 (2.2-10.7) 72 3.5 (1.8-5.2) 104 6.9 (2.7-11.1)
Frequency of eating outside home, %
0 1083 49.0 (45.6-52.3) 1129 57.4 (53.3-61.4) .003 979 49.5 (45.5-53.5) 887 56.3 (51.2-61.4) .06
>0 to ≤50 451 20.5 (18.9-22.1) 374 18.0 (14.5-21.5) 414 21.0 (18.7-23.3) 289 16.8 (12.2-21.4)
>50 to ≤100 674 30.5 (27.1-33.9) 500 24.6 (20.5-28.8) 587 29.5 (25.6-33.3) 376 26.9 (21.6-32.2)
a

Shandong Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension Program (2011-2016).

b

P value for difference between preintervention and postintervention based on t test for continuous variable and χ2 test for categorical variable.

c

Calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

d

Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure at least 90 mm Hg or receipt of antihypertension medication within the past 2 weeks.

Urinary Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels, and Sodium to Potassium Ratio

The 24-hour urinary sodium excretion decreased significantly from 5338 mg per day (95% CI, 5065-5612 mg per day) in 2011 to 4013 mg per day (95% CI, 3837-4190 mg per day) in 2016, with an adjusted difference of 1325 mg per day (95% CI, 1016-1634 mg per day; P < .001). The mean potassium level increased significantly from 1607 mg per day (95% CI, 1511-1704 mg per day) to 1850 mg per day (95% CI, 1771-1929 mg per day) (P < .001), and the mean sodium to potassium ratio decreased significantly from 6.9 (95% CI, 6.3-7.5) to 4.3 (95% CI, 4.0-4.7) (P < .001) (Table 2). Changes were consistent across subpopulations, although there appeared to be a more pronounced reduction in sodium levels among participants eating at home and a more pronounced increase in potassium levels among older and underemployed or retired participants (Table 2).

Table 2. Adjusted 24-h Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Sodium to Potassium Ratio Among Adults Aged 18 to 69 Years Between Preintervention and Postintervention Surveys in SMASH From 2011 to 2016.

Characteristic Sodium excretion, mean (95% CI), mg/d P valueb Potassium excretion, mean (95% CI) mg/d P valueb Sodium-potassium ratio (95% CI) P valueb
Preintervention (n = 2024) Postintervention (n = 1675) Adjusted differencea Preintervention (n = 2024) Postintervention (n = 1675) Adjusted differencea Preintervention (n = 2024) Postintervention (n = 1675) Adjusted differencea
Total 5338 (5065 to 5612) 4013 (3837 to 4190) −1325 (−1634 to −1016) <.001 1607 (1511 to 1704) 1850 (1771 to 1929) 243 (138 to 348) <.001 6.9 (6.3 to 7.5) 4.3 (4.0 to 4.7) −2.6 (−3.1 to −1.9) <.001
Sex
Male 5588 (5267 to 5910) 4378 (4189 to 4567) −1210 (−1565 to −855) .10 1615 (1507 to 1723) 1885 (1778 to 1992) 270 (155 to 386) .18 7.2 (6.5 to 7.8) 4.7 (4.2 to 5.1) −2.5 (−3.2 to −1.8) .66
Female 5080 (4796 to 5364) 3617 (3408 to 3825) −1463 (−1791 to −1136) 1601 (1482 to 1720) 1815 (1722 to 1908) 214 (95 to 333) 6.5 (5.9 to 7.1) 3.9 (3.5 to 4.3) −2.6 (−3.2 to −2.0)
Age range, y
18-44 5467 (5162 to 5771) 4207 (3953 to 4462) −1260 (−1588 to −930) .19 1510 (1414 to 1607) 1673 (1585 to 1761) 163 (67 to 259) .002 7.5 (6.7 to 8.2) 5.1 (4.6 to 5.5) −2.4 (−3.0 to −1.8) .10
45-59 5486 (5144 to 5828) 4093 (3834 to 4351) −1393 (−1755 to −1033) 1634 (1501 to 1767) 1978 (1864 to 2091) 344 (198 to 490) 6.8 (6.0 to 7.5) 4.2 (3.7 to 4.7) −2.6 (−3.3 to −1.8)
60-69 5019 (4658 to 5380) 3446 (3069 to 3822) −1573 (−2021 to −1126) 1597 (1433 to 1760) 2009 (1842 to 2177) 412 (208 to 617) 6.3 (5.6 to 7.1) 3.2 (2.7 to 3.8) −3.1 (−3.9 to −2.3)
Region
Urban 5229 (4765 to 5693) 4034 (3751 to 4317) −1195 (−1778 to −611) .21 1560 (1403 to 1717) 1889 (1823 to 1956) 329 (202 to 455) .26 7.1 (6.0 to 8.2) 4.4 (4.0 to 4.8) −2.7 (−3.7 to −1.7) .94
Rural 5343 (5019 to 5666) 3938 (3707 to 4168) −1405 (−1793 to −1017) 1582 (1460 to 1705) 1792 (1681 to 1903) 210 (72 to 347) 6.8 (6.1 to 7.6) 4.4 (3.8 to 5.0) −2.4 (−3.2 to −1.7)
Body mass index statusc
Normal 5005 (4633 to 5377) 3613 (3378 to 3849) −1392 (−1735 to −1048) .65 1525 (1435 to 1615) 1731 (1634 to 1829) 206 (95 to 317) .35 6.7 (6.2 to 7.2) 4.1 (3.7 to 4.6) −2.6 (−3.2 to −1.9) .22
Overweight 5263 (4971 to 5555) 4034 (3821 to 4246) −1229 (−1616 to −842) 1635 (1515 to 1754) 1928 (1821 to 2035) 293 (166 to 420) 6.5 (5.9 to 7.2) 4.2 (3.8 to 4.6) −2.3 (−2.9 to −1.7)
Obese 5667 (5368 to 5966) 4308 (3937 to 4679) −1359 (−1752 to −966) 1620 (1419 to 1821) 1869 (1734 to 2004) 249 (56 to 442) 7.3 (6.2 to 8.4) 4.4 (3.9 to 5.0) −2.9 (−3.7 to −1.9)
Educational level
Primary middle school and below 5415 (5132 to 5699) 4027 (3792 to 4262) −1388 (−1715 to −1061) .09 1572 (1468 to 1676) 1818 (1735 to 1901) 246 (141 to 349) .99 7.1 (6.4 to 7.7) 4.5 (4.0 to 5.0) −2.6 (−3.2 to −1.9) .82
High school and above 5317 (4940 to 5694) 4198 (3939 to 4457) −1119 (−1549 to −690) 1670 (1541 to 1800) 1907 (1802 to 2013) 237 (96 to 377) 6.6 (5.8 to 7.5) 4.3 (3.9 to 4.6) −2.3 (−3.1 to −1.7)
Blood pressure status
Normal 5355 (5058 to 5652) 3910 (3640 to 4180) −1445 (−1809 to −1082) .68 1670 (1532 to 1808) 1889 (1756 to 2023) 219 (116 to 323) .42 6.5 (6.0 to 7.0) 4 (3.6 to 4.4) −2.5 (−3.0 to −2.0) .56
Prehypertension 5330 (4986 to 5673) 4017 (3834 to 4201) −1313 (−1644 to −981) 1633 (1501 to 1765) 1864 (1730 to 1999) 231 (90 to 373) 6.7 (6.0 to 7.5) 4.2 (3.7 to 4.7) −2.5 (−3.1 to −1.9)
Hypertension 5328 (4986 to 5671) 4161 (3821 to 4501) −1167 (−1536 to −799) 1490 (1338 to 1642) 1790 (1642 to 1938) 300 (132 to 468) 7.4 (6.3 to 8.5) 4.8 (4.3 to 5.4) −2.6 (−3.5 to −1.7)
Type of physical work, occupation .44 .04 .12
Hard: farmer, peasant, or manual worker 5574 (5245 to 5904) 4226 (3918 to 4534) −1348 (−1707 to −990) 1655 (1553 to 1757) 1910 (1786 to 2034) 255 (128 to 382) 6.8 (6.2 to 7.4) 4.4 (3.9 to 4.9) −2.4 (−3.1 to −1.8)
Light: services, administrative, technical, professional, or other 5216 (4870 to 5563) 3976 (3809 to 4144) −1240 (−1620 to −860) 1588 (1470 to 1705) 1777 (1649 to 1906) 189 (48 to 331) 6.7 (6.0 to 7.4) 4.2 (3.8 to 4.6) −2.5 (−3.2 to −1.8)
Underemployed or retired 5261 (4826 to 5696) 3550 (3173 to 3927) −1711 (−2312 to −1110) 1449 (1233 to 1666) 1956 (1817 to 2095) 507 (248 to 766) 7.4 (6.5 to 8.2) 3.6 (3.0 to 4.2) −3.8 (−4.8 to −2.7)
Frequency of eating outside home, %
0 5358 (5043 to 5674) 3883 (3648 to 4119) −1475 (−1820 to −1130) .03 1662 (1546 to 1777) 1922 (1826 to 2018) 260 (126 to 395) .56 6.6 (6.0 to 7.2) 4 (3.6 to 4.4) −2.6 (−3.2 to −1.9) .29
>0 to ≤50 5401 (5103 to 5699) 4132 (3798 to 4466) −1269 (−1747 to −790) 1652 (1527 to 1776) 1836 (1677 to 1995) 184 (25 to 344) 6.6 (5.9 to 7.4) 4.3 (3.8 to 4.8) −2.3 (−3.1 to −1.6)
>50 to ≤100 5158 (4854 to 5462) 4101 (3791 to 4411) −1057 (−1428 to −684) 1516 (1354 to 1679) 1770 (1622 to 1918) 254 (135 to 373) 7.3 (6.5 to 8.1) 4.8 (4.2 to 5.3) −2.5 (−3.2 to −1.8)

Abbreviation: SMASH, Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension.

a

Differences were adjusted for age, sex, occupation, educational level, body mass index status, frequency of eating outside home, and receipt of antihypertension medicine within 2 weeks. For unweighted differences see eTable 3 in the Supplement.

b

P value indicates the difference between pre- and postintervention samples based on the t test (first row). P value for subpopulation was test for interaction for differential association of SMASH intervention among subpopulations based on the t test.

c

Calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

Changes in Systolic BP and Diastolic BP

The adjusted mean systolic BP decreased by 1.8 mm Hg from 131.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 129.8-133.8 mm Hg) in 2011 to 130.0 mm Hg (95% CI, 127.7-132.4 mm Hg) in 2016 (P = .04). The adjusted mean diastolic BP decreased by 3.1 mm Hg from 83.9 mm Hg (95% CI, 82.6-85.1 mm Hg) to 80.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 79.4-82.1 mm Hg) (P < .001). Changes were consistent across subgroups but appeared to be more pronounced with increased age, prehypertension and hypertension, and lower educational attainment (Table 3).

Table 3. Adjusted Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure Among Adults Aged 18-69 Years Between Preintervention and Postintervention Surveys in SMASH from 2011 to 2016.

Characteristic Systolic blood pressure, mean (95% CI), mm Hg P valueb Diastolic blood pressure, mean(95% CI), mm Hg P valueb
Preintervention (n = 15 350) Postintervention (n = 16 490) Adjusted differencea Preintervention (n = 15 350) Postintervention (n = 16 490) Adjusted differencea
Total 131.8 (129.8 to 133.8) 130.0 (127.7 to 132.4) −1.8 (−3.4 to −0.1) .04 83.9 (82.6 to 85.1) 80.8 (79.4 to 82.1) −3.1 (−4.1 to −2.1) <.001
Sex
Male 134.3 (132.2 to 136.4) 132.9 (130.5 to 135.3) −1.4 (−3.1 to 0.3) .65 85.9 (84.5 to 87.2) 82.9 (81.4 to 84.3) −3 (−4.1 to −1.8) .67
Female 128.4 (125.8 to 130.9) 126.3 (123.5 to 129.0) −2.1 (−3.8 to −0.4) 81.8 (80.2 to 83.3) 78.6 (76.9 to 80.2) −3.2 (−4.1 to −2.3)
Age range, y
18-44 127.8 (125.3 to 130.2) 127.1 (124.7 to 129.4) −0.7 (−2.3 to 0.9) <.001 84.9 (83.0 to 86.8) 82.1 (79.9 to 84.2) −2.8 (−3.9 to −1.8) .01
45-59 129.9 (126.4 to 133.4) 127.4 (124.2 to 130.6) −2.5 (−4.3 to −0.7) 84.1 (81.5 to 86.7) 81.1 (78.8 to 83.4) −3.0 (−4.1 to −1.9)
60-69 140.2 (132.3 to 148.1) 135.6 (127.7 to 143.6) −4.6 (−6.7 to −2.4) 85.6 (82.3 to 88.9) 81.6 (78.3 to 84.9) −4.0 (−5.0 to −2.9)
Region
Urban 128.8 (122.0 to 135.5) 128.0 (122.2 to 133.8) −0.8 (−2.4 to 0.8) .27 82.4 (79.0 to 85.9) 80.2 (77.5 to 82.9) −2.2 (−3.7 to −0.7) .16
Rural 133.9 (132.2 to 135.6) 131.7 (128.8 to 134.6) −2.2 (−4.2 to −0.1) 84.5 (83.4 to 85.6) 81.1 (79.5 to 82.7) −3.4 (−4.6 to −2.2)
Body mass index status
Normal 129.5 (127.7 to 131.4) 127.9 (125.8 to 129.9) −1.6 (−3.6 to 0.2) .28 80.4 (79.3 to 81.5) 77.6 (76.2 to 79.0) −2.8 (−4.0 to −1.6) .14
Overweight 130 (125.8 to 134.1) 127.9 (123.4 to 132.4) −2.1 (−3.7 to −0.5) 83.2 (80.3 to 86.0) 79.8 (76.9 to 82.7) −3.4 (−4.3 to −2.4)
Obese 139.2 (135.1 to 143.3) 137.7 (133.1 to 142.2) −1.5 (−3.0 to −0.1) 89 (83.3 to 94.8) 85.7 (80.0 to 91.4) −3.3 (−4.2 to −2.5)
Educational level
Primary middle school and below 133.2 (130.1 to 136.3) 130.9 (127.4 to 134.4) −2.3 (−4.0 to −0.5) .01 84.8 (83.9 to 85.7) 81.6 (80.1 to 83.0) −3.2 (−4.3 to −2.2) .10
High school and above 129.7 (125.7 to 133.7) 129.6 (125.7 to 133.6) −0.1 (−1.7 to 1.7) 84.2 (81.6 to 86.7) 81.8 (79.1 to 84.4) −2.4 (−3.5 to −1.4)
Blood pressure status
Normal 108.1 (106.5 to 109.7) 108.1 (106.6 to 109.7) 0 (−0.7 to 0.8) <.001 70 (68.8 to 71.1) 68.4 (67.4 to 69.4) −1.6 (−2.2 to −1.0) <.001
Prehypertension 125.6 (123.6 to 127.7) 127.0 (124.8 to 129.2) 1.4 (0.6 to 2.1) 81.3 (80.4 to 82.3) 79.5 (78.5 to 80.5) −1.8 (−2.4 to −1.4)
Hypertension 146.4 (135.4 to 157.4) 144.0 (132.9 to 155.2) −2.4 (−4.0 to −0.8) 92.2 (87.0 to 97.5) 89.2 (84.0 to 94.5) −3.0 (−3.7 to −2.3)
Type of physical work, occupation .29 .07
Hard: farmer, peasant, manual worker 134.5 (130.6 to 138.5) 132.3 (128.1 to 136.5) −2.2 (−4.2 to −0.2) 85.3 (82.4 to 88.1) 82.1 (79.4 to 84.8) −3.2 (−4.4 to −2.0)
Light: service, administrative, technical, professional, or other 130.0 (128.2 to 131.8) 129.0 (127.3 to 130.6) −1.0 (−2.5 to 0.5) 83.4 (82.4 to 84.4) 80.4 (79.1 to 81.7) −3.0 (−4.0 to −2.1)
Underemployed or retiredc - - - - - - - -

Abbreviation: SMASH, Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension.

a

Differences were adjusted for age, sex, occupation, educational level, body mass index status, frequency of eating outside the home, and receipt of antihypertension medicine within 2 weeks. For unweighted differences see eTable 4 in the Supplement.

b

P value indicates the difference between pre- and postintervention based on a t test (first row). P value for subpopulation was test for interaction for differential effect of SMASH intervention among subpopulation based on a t test.

c

Limited sample size for stable estimate.

Changes in KABs

There were significant increases in several KABs. The proportion of participants with knowledge of the salt intake recommendation by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines increased from 31.7% (95% CI, 23.3%-40.1%) to 57.6% (95% CI, 48.3%-66.9%) (P < .001). Significant improvements were also seen in self-reported scaled salt spoon use (14.6% [95% CI, 8.7%-20.6%] to 36.1% [95% CI, 28.4%-43.8%], P < .001), attention paid to processed food labeling (18.4% [95% CI, 12.5%-24.2%] to 32.1% [95% CI, 25.9%-38.2%], P < .001), and actions taken to reduce sodium in the diet (35.7% [95% CI, 28.6%-42.8%] to 61.1% [95% CI, 52.8%-69.5%], P < .001) (Table 4).

Table 4. Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior Associated With Sodium Reduction Among Adults Aged 18 to 69 Years Between Preintervention and Postintervention Surveysa.

Group Adjusted prevalence, % (95% CI)b Difference, % (95% CI) P valuec
Preintervention (n = 15 350) Postintervention (n = 16 490)
Knowledge
Chinese nutrition guidelines recommended salt intake (6 g/d) 31.7 (23.3 to 40.1) 57.6 (48.3 to 66.9) 25.9 (19.0 to 32.8) <.001
Attitude
Processed food should have a label with sodium content 70.4 (61.1 to 79.7) 75.2 (66.9 to 83.5) 4.8 (0.2 to 9.3) .02
Behaviors
Use scaled salt spoon 14.6 (8.7 to 20.6) 36.1 (28.4 to 43.8) 21.5 (14.3 to 28.6) <.001
Pay attention to sodium content on processed food labels 18.4 (12.5 to 24.2) 32.1 (25.9 to 38.2) 13.7 (11.1 to 16.3) <.001
Self-assessed reducing salt in diet 35.7 (28.6 to 42.8) 61.1 (52.8 to 69.5) 25.4 (19.7 to 31.2) <.001
a

Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension, 2011 to 2016.

b

Adjusted for age, sex, occupation, educational level, body mass index status, frequency of eating outside the home, and receipt of antihypertension medicine within 2 weeks. For unweighted differences see eTable 5 in the Supplement.

c

P value for difference in adjusted means between pre- and postintervention surveys based on a t test.

Discussion

The findings of the SMASH intervention showed that 24-hour urinary sodium excretion among adults decreased 24.8%, potassium excretion increased 15.1%, and the sodium to potassium ratio decreased 36.6% from 2011 to 2016. Both systolic BP (1.8 mm Hg) and diastolic BP (3.1 mm Hg) decreased significantly. Sodium-related behaviors, such as use of a scaled salt spoon, paying attention to sodium content of processed food, and making intentional efforts to reduce sodium intake in the diet, improved significantly. These improvements were seen across almost all sociodemographic subgroups.

In 2013, the World Health Organization member states established a global target of 25% reduction in hypertension prevalence and 30% reduction in mean population sodium intake by 2025.21 Several countries have adopted national sodium reduction strategies.11,12,13 The findings from the SMASH program compared favorably with successful sodium reduction efforts in other countries. In a systematic review, 12 countries observed reductions in population sodium intake ranging from 5% to 36% during 5 to 29 years, including a 28.8% reduction in salt intake in China from 1991 through 2009 assessed by dietary intake.13 The 24.8% (1325 mg per day of sodium) reduction in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion observed in Shandong Province during 5 years from 2011 through 2016 was at the higher end of this range and was the most rapid reduction compared with other locations.

There are several possible explanations for the large reduction in sodium excretion observed in SMASH. First, the main source of dietary sodium among Shandong residents is from home cooking.15,22 This dietary sodium is perhaps easier to target with public education compared with sodium in processed and restaurant foods. In 2011, condiments consumed at home contributed 80.8% of total sodium intake in Shandong, and only 10.1% sodium intake came from processed food15,22; this stands in sharp contrast to many high-income countries, where most sodium intake comes from processed and restaurant foods.13 Therefore, a key strategy of the SMASH intervention was to reduce the use of condiments containing sodium during cooking. A similar strategy was used successfully in Japan, which focused on key contributors of sodium in Japanese home cooking: soy sauce, salted vegetables, and miso soup.13 Second, there was the uniquely strong leadership of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and Shandong provincial government in the SMASH intervention, including the support and close cooperation of 15 government agencies at provincial, city, and county levels. Numerous culturally tailored communication strategies were used to promote sodium reduction. The observed improvements in knowledge and behaviors pertaining to sodium reduction during the study period might reflect these innovative communication strategies. Third, the nearly 8-fold increase in sales of low-sodium salt substitute containing 30% potassium chloride, which accounted for more than a quarter of sales of small packaged retail salt by the end of the study period, may have contributed to the reduction in sodium levels, the increase in potassium levels, and the decrease in sodium-potassium ratio. The contribution of low-sodium salt substitute merits further examination in a follow-up study.

Reduction in population-level urinary sodium excretion was accompanied by a decrease in BP, especially diastolic BP in the population. Our findings were consistent with other studies that showed BP-lowering effects of sodium reduction and reduction of the sodium-potassium ratio.6,23,24 A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials showed that a 75-mmol per day (1725 mg per day) reduction in urinary sodium excretion yielded a mean reduction in systolic BP of 4.18 mm Hg.6 However, the decrease of 1.8 mm Hg in systolic BP observed during the SMASH intervention period appeared to be smaller than would be expected from the reduction of 1325 mg per day in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. This discrepancy could be attributable to various factors. First, the participants in SMASH were relatively young. The decrease in BP associated with salt reduction varies by age, and older individuals have greater reduction in BP.25 Second, there has been a continuing increase in BP from the early 1990s to 2012 in China,26 which might have mitigated the decrease in BP associated with salt reduction in SMASH. Nevertheless, SMASH suggests that a reduction in salt intake was associated with a counteraction in this increasing trend and may have been associated with a modest decrease in BP among individuals in Shandong Province. In addition, our results might be confounded by other factors such as the observed increase in body mass index.26 This might suggest that the systolic BP would have been higher in 2016 if there was no SMASH intervention. Further studies are needed to clarify the less than expected changes in systolic BP after the SMASH intervention. We also observed a significant reduction in diastolic BP. Although it was unexpected to observe a greater reduction in diastolic BP than systolic BP, this is consistent with a previous study27 that observed a stronger association of diastolic BP with environmental and risk factor changes among Chinese young adults in urban areas. This might partly explain the observed larger reduction in diastolic BP compared with systolic BP in SMASH.

Although the observed reductions in BP were modest, even a slight population-wide reduction in BP might have a substantial association with CVD incidence.28 A study using SMASH baseline data estimated that 6700 deaths from CVD in Shandong could be prevented annually if urinary sodium excretion was reduced to 4000 mg per day. This target was nearly achieved in 2016 (4013 mg per day).29 In addition, the association of the SMASH intervention with improved sodium, BP, and KABs in the population might not be fully realized within 5 years given the presumable lag time between initiation and maximum adoption of the intervention, and effects might continue beyond the 5-year period.

Province-wide changes in retail salt sales and BP in Shandong compare favorably to data collected from China overall. The sale of regular retail salt decreased 15.8% (329 000 to 277 000 tons) from 2011 to 2015 in Shandong compared with a 14.4% decrease (5 374 000 to 4 602 000 tons) in China. Meanwhile, the proportion of low-sodium retail salt sales increased from 2.7% to 20.6% (9000 to 72 000 tons) in Shandong compared with the increase from 0.7% to 7.8% (39 000 to 388 000 tons) in 2015 in China (Cui Jing, BME, China National Salt Industry Company Limited, Beijing, China, written communication, October 11, 2019). In addition, the results from 2 nationally representative surveys2,30 in China suggest that systolic BP increased (Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance survey [2010-2012]: 122.1 mm Hg [95% CI, 121.3-122.8 mm Hg] vs China Hypertension Survey [2012-2015]: 126.1 mm Hg [95% CI, 125.3-127.0 mm Hg]) and diastolic BP slightly decreased (2010-2012: 77.7 mm Hg [95% CI, 77.1-78.3 mm Hg] vs 2012-2015: 76.0 mm Hg [95% CI, 75.4-76.6 mm Hg]).2,30 These results suggest greater favorable changes in salt sales and BP in Shandong than in China overall during this period

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of the SMASH study include the large provincial representative sample size, high participation rates, and the range of population subgroups assessed. Collection of 24-hour urine samples, considered the criterion standard for assessing sodium levels, was another strength. Also, careful efforts were made to standardize the assessment techniques for BP measurement and 24-hour urine sample collection, including the training of technicians and use of quality control measures.

The primary limitation of this study is that SMASH was a province-wide intervention, and there was no control group. Therefore, it was not possible to attribute the observed changes in urinary sodium excretion and BP entirely to the intervention. Our results should be interpreted with caution. However, data from salt sales including the sales of salt substitute, urinary measurements of sodium and potassium levels, BP measurements, and KAB questions were mutually consistent and suggest that the observed reductions in salt intake and BP were not by chance.

In addition to the lack of a control group, this study had other limitations. The characteristics of the participants in the 2 surveys had statistically significant differences, including age structure, body mass index, and socioeconomic factors. These differences might reflect demographic changes in Shandong during this time. For example, according to Shandong census data in 2009 and 2015, the proportion of the resident population younger than 40 years decreased from 47.6% to 41.8%. Increases in age and body mass index between 2011 and 2016 might have been expected to be associated with increased BP and blunted the intended outcomes of SMASH; other differences because of demographic changes or sampling errors might have had blunting, reinforcing, or no net outcomes. Sampling weights were applied to survey data to account for demographic differences.

The KABs were self-reported and might be subject to recall or other bias, although results were consistent with 24-hour urinary measurements. The study period was 5 years, and the long-term association of sodium reduction with BP changes might not be fully captured within this time frame. Other societal changes unrelated to SMASH, such as changes in the primary public health service, food supply, and preservation practices,31 might have also contributed to the changes in sodium and BP during the study period.

In 2017, the China State Council released the China National Medium and Long-Term Plan on Chronic Diseases Prevention and Control (2017–2025),32 targeting a 15% reduction in population sodium intake. The SMASH program in Shandong Province has been expanded to other provinces in support of the achievement of 2025 national targets. Lessons learned from the SMASH program might also help refine strategies and interventions for sodium level reduction in other settings as has already been shown in collaboration with the Philadelphia Healthy Chinese Take-out Restaurant Initiative.33

Conclusions

The SMASH program showed that a comprehensive, population-based intervention with strong government support was associated with a substantial decrease in urinary sodium excretion and a modest reduction in BP. The findings should be verified in other populations and periods. In particular, the value of such interventions compared with many potentially good interventions that could be considered at the population level merits more investigation.

Supplement.

eTable 1. The SMASH Multi-sectoral Brief Roles Summary

eFigure 1. Sampling Flowchart for Physical and Questionnaire Survey in 2011 & 2016

eFigure 2. Sampling Flowchart for Urinary Excretion Collection in 2011 & 2016

eTable 2. Questions in Knowledge Attitude and Behaviors on Sodium-reduction Between Baseline and Postintervention Survey: Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) Program 2011-2016

eMethods 1. Methods for Sample Size Calculation

eMethods 2. Methods for Physical Measurement 24-hour Urine Collection and Quality Control and Sample Size Calculation

eTable 3. Unweighted Differences in 24-hour Urinary Sodium Potassium and Sodium-to-potassium Molar Ratio

eTable 4. Unweighted Differences in SBP and DBP

eTable 5. Unweighted Differences in Knowledge Attitude and Behavior

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Supplement.

eTable 1. The SMASH Multi-sectoral Brief Roles Summary

eFigure 1. Sampling Flowchart for Physical and Questionnaire Survey in 2011 & 2016

eFigure 2. Sampling Flowchart for Urinary Excretion Collection in 2011 & 2016

eTable 2. Questions in Knowledge Attitude and Behaviors on Sodium-reduction Between Baseline and Postintervention Survey: Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) Program 2011-2016

eMethods 1. Methods for Sample Size Calculation

eMethods 2. Methods for Physical Measurement 24-hour Urine Collection and Quality Control and Sample Size Calculation

eTable 3. Unweighted Differences in 24-hour Urinary Sodium Potassium and Sodium-to-potassium Molar Ratio

eTable 4. Unweighted Differences in SBP and DBP

eTable 5. Unweighted Differences in Knowledge Attitude and Behavior


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