Impact of Sodium on Blood Pressure and Well Being on Coastal Population: A Social Pharmacy Perspective

Background Coastal communities often exhibit dietary habits characterized by high sodium intake due to the frequent consumption of salted and preserved foods. Such patterns may contribute to elevated blood pressure and impaired well-being. This study examined the relationship between sodium intake, blood pressure, and health-related quality of life among fishermen living on Madura Island, Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to November 2024 involving 137 adult fishermen who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent. Sodium intake was assessed using a coastal-adapted Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and quantified using the Indonesian Food Composition Table (TKPI). Blood pressure was measured following standardized procedures using a digital sphygmomanometer. Quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Spearman correlation tests were used to determine associations between sodium intake, blood pressure, and quality of life. Results Most respondents consumed sodium above recommended levels, with 75.18% exhibiting high intake (>1500 mg/day). More than half (54.74%) were categorized as Stage 1 hypertension, and only 32.85% showed normal blood pressure. Quality of life scores indicated mild to moderate limitations, predominantly in the pain/discomfort and usual activities domains. A modest but significant correlation was observed between sodium intake and blood pressure (r = 0.192, p = 0.047), while no meaningful association was found between sodium intake and quality of life (r = -0.015, p = 0.877). Conclusion High sodium consumption among Madura fishermen is associated with elevated blood pressure, despite generally preserved quality of life. Routine screening, community-based nutrition education, and targeted interventions promoting reduced-sodium dietary practices are recommended to prevent undiagnosed hypertension and improve long-term health outcomes in coastal populations.