Objective To investigate the salt intake status and its influencing factors among adult residents in rural areas of Hebei province, and to provide a reference for developing salt reduction interventions for residents in this area.

Methods In August 2022, 600 adult residents aged ≥18 years were selected from 11 prefecture-level cities in Hebei province (Shijiazhuang, Handan, Xingtai, Baoding, Zhangjiakou, Chengde, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Cangzhou, Hengshui, and Langfang) using a convenience sampling method. Questionnaires, physical examinations, and 24-hour urine collection and testing were conducted. The daily salt intake of the subjects was calculated using the 24-hour urinary sodium method, and a multifactorial unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of salt intake among adult residents in rural areas of Hebei province.

Results The daily salt intake of the 597 rural adult residents finally included in the analysis ranged from 1.05 g to 35.54 g, with a mean daily salt intake of 9.66 (6.67, 13.41) g. The low-salt group (daily salt intake < 9.66 g) and high-salt group (daily salt intake ≥9.66 g) consisted of 298 and 299 individuals, accounting for 49.92% and 50.08%, respectively. Multifactorial unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that frequent consumption of broad bean paste (OR=1.642, 95%CI: 1.152–2.340) was a risk factor for salt intake among adult residents in rural areas of Hebei province, while age ≥60 years (OR=0.628, 95%CI: 0.430–0.916) and the use of low-sodium salt (OR=0.544, 95%CI: 0.308–0.962) were protective factors.

Conclusions Salt intake among adult residents in rural areas of Hebei province is high. Age, frequent consumption of broad bean paste, and current use of low-sodium salt are the main influencing factors of salt intake among rural adult residents in the area.