Discourse analysis of sodium reduction strategies in two countries of the Southern Cone

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Salt is the main source of sodium worldwide. According to WHO data, it is estimated that the population consumes between 9-12 g of salt per day, with 5 g being the maximum recommended1. Evidence indicates that this high consumption is associated with high risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and myocardial infarction2,3. That is why countries such as Argentina and Chile, among others, have decided to enact laws and strategies to reduce sodium consumption in the population.

OBJETIVE: To analyze national strategies to reduce sodium consumption in the population of Argentina and Chile between 2013 and 2023, through the analysis of Jäger's discourse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research from a qualitative perspective, through the discursive analysis proposed by Jäger, who starts from the idea that discourses are forms of communication related to behavior and domination; In this sense, it proposes a content-oriented structural analysis and a context-focused analysis4. The documents analyzed were the Sodium Reduction Law in Argentina, Law 26.905 and the National Strategy for the Reduction of Sodium in Chile, extracted from the official websites of the national Ministries of Health.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Since the data used are in the public domain, were obtained through secondary sources, and do not contain information that would allow individuals to be identified, approval by an Ethics Committee was not required.

RESULTS: Argentina's document is presented as a normative text, while Chile's document as an argumentative text, both with clear meanings regarding their objective through the approach of social determinants, incorporate the need for public-private agreements, dissemination of information through food labeling and communication campaigns.

CONCLUSIONS: An approach to the food environment as a determinant of sodium consumption is observed. This type of policy could allow healthier consumption options for the population.