Knowledge of Dehydration and Hydration Practices Among Elderly Individuals

AbstractBackground:A large number of older adults fail to consume an adequate amount of fluids. Frequent falls, poor rehabilitation outcomes have been associated with dehydration in older adults.Objectives:The present study aims to assess the knowledge of dehydration and hydration practices among elderly individuals.Materials and Methods:One hundred and forty elderly community dwellers, aged 60-85 years, were recruited using purposive sampling method over 6 months. Those with a diagnosis of cardiac or renal failure, using medications affecting body fluid balance, for example, diuretics, or having impaired cognition were excluded. Written informed consent of participants was obtained and a self-made, validated questionnaire on hydration practices was administered followed by questionnaire on knowledge of dehydration. Collected data were analyzed.Results:One hundred and forty elderly individuals of age 66.57 ± 5.8 years participated. 77% (n = 108) were females while 23% (n = 32) were males. The study found that about 60% (n = 84) of the population did not drink more than 2 L of fluid per day. Only 39.3% (n = 55) knew about rapid pulse being a symptom of dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to seizures and stroke was known only to 28% (n = 35) and 32% (n = 40) of the study population.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that there were significant deficiencies in dehydration-related knowledge among the elderly. Good hydration practices were not followed by most of them and daily water consumption was found to be inadequate in the majority.