Theory-Based Mobile App Intervention to Promote Healthy Salt Intake Among Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Nowadays, mobile health technology has been increasingly used for treatment and prevention at all levels of health care. Associating this technology with the promotion of healthy salt consumption—both cost-effective and cost-saving public health strategies—can reduce this risk factor that contributes significantly to the increase of noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Objective We aim to assess the usability and the efficacy of a mobile app intervention—“Sal na Medida” app—on the promotion of a healthy salt intake among adults, based on the Behavior Change Wheel framework. Additionally, to investigate if intention, self-efficacy, and habit variables mediated the effect of intervention on salt intake behavior. Methods An experimental, randomized, and longitudinal study that evaluated the intervention effect with assessments at baseline, postintervention (1 mo), and at follow-up (2 mo). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from participants recruited at primary health care centers. The behavior of salt intake and per capita salt consumption were the primary outcomes. Psychosocial variables of intention, self-efficacy, and habit were assessed as possible mediators. Usability was evaluated after 1 month and 2 months of using the app. Results Eighty-six participants were randomized in the intervention group (IG; n=43) or control group (CG; n=43). Most of the participants were female (IG: n=36, 84% and CG: n=37, 86%). Usability of app intervention scored 77.8 points (on a scale of 0 to 100) among IG participants. There was a significant reduction in salt intake in IG according to the variables of per capita salt and the behavior of salt intake. Furthermore, at the end of the follow-up, individuals in IG were 63% more likely to have a lower salt intake than those in the CG. The regression analysis showed an increase in intention and the perception of self-efficacy, and a more pronounced reduction in the habit of using more than 3 g of salt/day in preparing meals in IG when compared to CG. Habit and self-efficacy were identified as mediators of the intervention’s effect. Conclusions The theory-based mobile app intervention for reducing salt intake has shown promise both in terms of usability and efficacy among adults. Conducting further studies to assess its potential for implementation on a larger scale would be valuable for determining its real-world impact and feasibility.