This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a lecture regarding salt and hypertension on the knowledge and salt intake of pre-hypertensive residents in Barangay Paradise, Diplahan ,Zamboanga Sibugay Province. The study used a pre and post interventional design by utilizing lecture discussion as the method of instruction. There were a total of 39 respondents involved in the study, all selected through purposive sampling. All 39 respondents were identified pre-hypertensive individuals, according to Joint National Committee 7. A self-administered questionnaire containing 22 items answerable by “True”, “False” and “I Don’t Know” was used to assess knowledge before and after the intervention. A 3-day food diary was utilized to assess salt intake of the respondents before and after intervention. This study employed ANOVA for repeated measures to determine p-value for knowledge and Paired T-test for salt intake. Results revealed a statistically significant improvement in mean knowledge scores from 13.74 before the intervention to 18.92 immediately after the intervention, with a p value of .000. Retention of knowledge was attained as evidenced by insignificant change in mean knowledge score immediately after and 1 month after the intervention. Furthermore, salt intake was analyzed through Paired T-test showing a statistically significant decrease in mean sodium levels of the respondents from 5654.85mg to 4261.44mg with a p-value of .001. This is however still higher than the recommended daily sodium intake for Filipinos of 2,400mg per day. The study concludes that the lecture increased the knowledge and lowered the salt intake of the pre-hypertensive residents but not at the recommended level.

Keyword: health teachings hypertension pre-hypertensive diplahan