The Relationship Between Sodium Intake and Stress Levels with the Incidence of Hypertension at the Upper Market Traders in Bukittinggi

Abstract

Hypertension is a blood vessel disorder characterized by systolic pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure ≥90 mmHg. According to the WHO, in 2025 hypertension will remain a major global health problem, with approximately 1.5 billion cases. Indonesia has 30.8 % of hypertension sufferers. West Sumatra has around 25.6% and Bukittinggi City has 8,329 cases of hypertension in 2025. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sodium intake and stress levels with the incidence of hypertension in traders at the Upper Market Building, Bukittinggi City Tourism Area. An observational analytical quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in June–July 2026. The population consisted of 365 traders with a sample of 79 respondents selected using accidental sampling. The instruments used were the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and digital sphygmomanometer. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-square test with a 5% significance level. Fifty-nine percent of respondents had sodium intake below the recommended levels, 60.8 percent experienced stress, and 55.7 percent had hypertension. There was a relationship between sodium intake and the incidence of hypertension (p<0.001; OR=7.454) and between stress levels and the incidence of hypertension (p=0.027; OR=3.168). Sodium intake and stress levels were associated with the incidence of hypertension among Pasar Atas traders. It is hoped that the public, especially traders, will remain disciplined in following a hypertension diet using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) method as an effort to control blood pressure.