Main Comparative Analyses
BLOOD, SECONDARY, SENSITIVITY
All participant data collected at baseline and week 12 were summarized using descriptive statistics for the intervention and control groups separately. Continuous variables were presented as mean and SD, whereas categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages.The trial evaluation was performed on an intention-to-treat basis, including all eligible participants in the group to which they were randomized. Multiple imputation methods were used for missing primary outcome data in the primary intention-to-treat analysis using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method and assuming that the data were missing at random. No imputation was considered on secondary outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the primary outcome (1) without imputation and (2) using the International Cooperative Study on Salt and Blood Pressure formula [The definition of valid data for spot (casual) urine samples was a collection at baseline during week −1 (−2 weeks to +2 weeks) and at follow-up during week 12 (−1 week to +1 week). Valid BP measurements at baseline were those taken during weeks −2 and −1 (−2 weeks to +2 weeks) and at follow-up during week 12 (−1 week to +1 week). The average SBP and DBP were calculated using a minimum of 6 readings at each time point. Valid bar code data to estimate the sodium content of household food purchases at baseline were scanned during week −1 (−2 weeks to +2 weeks) and at follow-up during week 12 (−1 week to +1 week). The average sodium content of food purchases was calculated for all bar codes received.Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute). All statistical tests were 2-sided at a 5% significance level.