Self-reported Hydration in Diabetic and Hypertensive Elderly

Pinto ESS, Castro CCB, Campos

Abstract

Background: Although the importance of the hydration for health of diabetic and hypertensive elderly have been extensively exposed, there is little information about the self-reported hydration among this group. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by studying the self-reported hydration among elderly in Brazil. Methodology: It was conducted a cross-sectional study through interviews with 405 elderly attended at a Brazilian primary care for arterial hypertension and/or mellitus diabetes. The variables addressed were: gender, age in years, presence of caregivers in doctor visits, prevalence of chronic diseases and questions for the hydration assessment. Association Pearson’s chi-square test and a significance level of 5% were adopted. Results: The elderly that described feel thirst regularly (p=0.00), an appropriated water intake idea (p=0.00) and younger age (p=0.04), reported a higher water intake. The presence of the caregiver and older age (p=0.03); and older age assisted by a caregiver and drinking at least 6 glasses of water/day (p=0.02) were also associated. Conclusions: Thirst, appropriate intake idea, younger age and a caregiver for the older age were associated with the report of higher intake of water. Several factors may be associated with water intake and should be considered when analyzing strategies for hydration of the elderly.