Domain-specific knowledge on salt-related health risks and medical professional identity: implications for...

Excessive salt consumption is one of the most important and modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite general awareness of its cardiovascular impact, knowledge about other health consequences of excess sodium varies considerably, even among medical professionals. This study was conducted to examine whether domain-specific knowledge about salt-related health effects is predictive of professional affiliation with the medical community (medical education/degree) and explored its implications for cardiovascular prevention.

An international online survey (PoLA/ILEP) of 668 adults was conducted using the CAWI method. The questionnaire included 17 items assessing knowledge in five domains - cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, neuropsychiatric, and bone health - as well as awareness of dietary salt sources and self-monitoring of personal health parameters. Associations between domain-specific knowledge and medical education were analyzed using proportional odds logistic regression (POLR), adjusting for age, sex, place of residence, and number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Knowledge of cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric consequences was strongly associated with medical education (OR = 21.7 and 1.66; p < 0.05). In contrast, a better understanding of metabolic, renal, and bone effects was linked with lower odds of medical education (OR = 0.28-0.54). The strongest predictor was self-awareness of personal cardiovascular parameters (OR = 37.97; p < 0.0001). Among rural residents, these relationships were particularly pronounced.

Medical professional identity is associated with structured, domain-specific knowledge about the health effects of salt consumption, particularly in relation to CVD. Expanding educational efforts to address under-recognized consequences of sodium excess may improve salt-reduction strategies and enhance cardiovascular disease prevention.