An evaluation of a dietary sodium reduction research consortium of five low-and middle-income countries in Latin America

Abstract

Background: Excess sodium consumption is a risk factor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Latin American countries (LAC), CVD rates are high. In LAC, policy development is complex and factors impacting research uptake into policies are largely unknown. The study objective is to determine if the short-term (e.g., research, capacity building), intermediary outcomes (e.g., policies) from a funded research consortium, involving Argentina, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Paraguay, was achieved and to describe factors related to research uptake into policies. Methods: A summative evaluation using a logic model and a qualitative case study was conducted with a document review, survey and semi-structured interviews. Results: The research consortium achieved all short-term and select intermediary outcomes. Partnerships with actors functioned as barriers and facilitators: while, human and financial resources supported evidence gathering and policy making. Conclusion: The consortium activities resulted in novel data which facilitated with research adoption into dietary sodium reduction policies.