Salt Intake and Hypertension Risk Factors Among Market Traders in Lagos Island, Lagos State

Excessive dietary salt intake is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and urban market traders represent a high-risk occupational group due to their sedentary work patterns and reliance on processed and street foods. This study examines dietary salt intake and associated hypertension risk factors among adult market traders in Lagos Island Local Government Area, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. The rapid urbanisation and dietary transition occurring across Lagos creates a conducive environment for the development of diet-related non-communicable diseases. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 traders aged 25 to 65 years recruited through systematic sampling from four major markets. Dietary salt intake was estimated through a 24-hour dietary recall and a validated sodium intake questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured using a standardised digital sphygmomanometer following recommended protocols. Body mass index, waist circumference, and physical activity level were assessed as additional cardiovascular risk indicators. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Findings are expected to reveal high salt intake, driven largely by condiment use and processed food consumption, and a significant proportion of traders with elevated blood pressure or established hypertension. These results will support community-based salt reduction and cardiovascular risk awareness campaigns in Lagos. Keywords: salt intake, hypertension, market traders, Lagos, cardiovascular risk.