None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
One in five New Zealanders 35-years and older already has cardiovascular disease (CVD). Following a diet low in salt is especially important for these people because it can reduce their blood pressure and chance of another heart event. However, many people with CVD find making heart healthy food choices confusing and difficult. A simple, free smartphone application (app) providing shoppers with interpretive nutrition labels could provide a novel solution. The aim of this trial is to determine the effect of the SaltSwitch smartphone app on the salt content of food purchases made by households with at least one member with diagnosed CVD. The primary hypothesis is that 4-weeks intervention with the SaltSwitch smartphone app will reduce the mean salt content of household food purchases compared with control.
Interventions
The intervention group will receive the SaltSwitch smartphone application for 4-weeks. SaltSwitch enables users to scan the barcode of a packaged food and receive an immediate, interpretive traffic light nutrition label on the phones screen. Traffic lights are provided for four key nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Red indicates 'fine for an occasional treat'; amber is an 'okay choice'; but choosing green is even better. The app also provides healthier lower-salt options
The intervention group will receive the SaltSwitch smartphone application for 4-weeks. SaltSwitch enables users to scan the barcode of a packaged food and receive an immediate, interpretive traffic light nutrition label on the phones screen. Traffic lights are provided for four key nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Red indicates 'fine for an occasional treat'; amber is an 'okay choice'; but choosing green is even better. The app also provides healthier lower-salt options to 'switch' to. Use and acceptability of the app will be assessed by a follow-up questionnaire at the end of the intervention period (weeks 6).
Sponsors
National Institute for Health Innovation, The University of Auckland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Group 1: Participants with cardiovascular disease who are not the main food shopper for their household: Previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease (history of prior acute coronary syndrome, revascularisation (prior PCI or CABG) or external angina) Aged 40years and older Group 2: Participants with cardiovascular disease who are also the main food shopper for their household (complete 50% or more of household shopping): Previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease (history of prior acute coronary syndrome, revascularisation (prior PCI or CABG) or external angina) Aged 40years and older Shop at the supermarket for household food at least once per week spending $25 or more per household member Own or have access to a smartphone for the next six weeks Group 3: Participants who are main household shoppers only: 18 years or older Shop at the supermarket for household food at least once per week spending $25 or more per household member Own or have access to a smartphone for the next six weeks
Exclusion criteria
Group 1: Participants with cardiovascular disease who are not the main food shopper for their household: Unable to provide informed consent Suffered a cardiac event in the past three months (defined as hospitalization for heart attack, coronary artery revascularisation (CABG or stenting), stroke or heart failure Previously been diagnosed with heart failure or severe valve disease (including severe aortic or mitral valve disease) On a physician supervised diet or unwilling to make dietary changes Taking medication that may lead to hyponaetraemia or acute build up of body water such as: frusemide, regular NSAID, or regular prednisone use Group 2: Participants with cardiovascular disease who are also the main food shopper for their household (complete 50% or more of household shopping): Unable to provide informed consent Suffered a cardiac event in the past three months (defined as hospitalization for heart attack, coronary artery revascularisation (CABG or stenting), stroke or heart failure Previously been diagnosed with heart failure or severe valve disease (including severe aortic or mitral valve disease) On a physician supervised diet or unwilling to make dietary changes Taking medication that may lead to hyponaetraemia or acute build up of body water such as: frusemide, regular NSAID, or regular prednisone use Currently using the FoodSwitch smartphone app or planning to use it over the next six weeks Do not return at least two till receipts and spend $25 or more per week per household member on grocery shopping over the baseline period Group 3: Participants who are main household shoppers only: Unable to provide informed consent Currently using the FoodSwitch smartphone app or planning to use it over the next six weeks Do not return at least two till receipts and spend $25 or more per week per household member on grocery shopping over the baseline period
Outcome results
None listed