PHYSIOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF HYDRATION KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR SURVEY: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

Aidan P. Fiol1, Whitley C. Atkins1, Rachel B. Grunnert1, Matthew S. Ganio1, Jennifer C. Veilleux2, Brendon P. McDermott,1 FACSM 1Exercise Science Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR; 2Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR Adequate water consumption is associated with positive short- and long-term health outcomes and improved homeostasis. A validated survey that allows greater understanding of water intake relating to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors would better connect hydration and overall health research. PURPOSE: Examine the validity of our hydration survey on hydration knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among adults using urine analysis, and diet and fluid intake. METHODS: Thirty adults (28 ± 9y 167.9 ± 10.9cm, 75.27 ± 18.02kg) were recruited from the northwest Arkansas area and were given the hydration survey to complete. Following completion, participants collected all urine produced for the next 24-hr. Participants self-recorded dietary food and fluid consumption and urinary void frequency for the 24-hr period following survey administration. Urine was analyzed for specific gravity (USG), osmolality (Uosm), 24-hr volume, and void frequency. Survey data was analyzed and Pearson r correlations were conducted on survey results compared to hydration variables. Results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Mean 24-hr urine volume was 2429.33 ± 1021.96mL, USG was 1.011 ± 0.004, Uosm was 372.72 ± 146.39mOsm·kg-1, and void frequency was 8 ± 3. Average 24-hr fluid intake was 4187.84 ± 1532.71mL. Total Fluid Behavior Index score was not significantly correlated with hydration variables (p≥.268). Total Hydration Facilitator and Barrier scores were not significantly correlated with hydration variables (p≥.224). Total Hydration Knowledge score was not significantly correlated with hydration variables (p≥.086), though a higher number of correct items showed a positive correlation with 24-hr void frequency (r=.363, p=.049). Among participants reaching an optimal hydration cutpoint of 24-hr Uosm\u3c500mOsm·kg-1 (n=23), there was no significant correlation between hydration variables with Fluid Behavior Index score (p≥.149), Hydration Knowledge score (p≥.126), or Hydration Facilitator and Barrier scores (p≥.112) CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate an inability of our hydration survey knowledge, habits, or barriers to relate to physiological hydration variables in our largely hydrated participants. Larger participant numbers are required for more robust physiological survey validation