ความรอบรู้ด้านความต้องการน้ำและปริมาณสารน้ำที่ได้รับในผู้สูงอายุโรคเรื้อรัง

Abstract

Hydration literacy can help older persons with chronic diseases analyze their own adequate daily water consumption. They can also make decisions to increase or decrease their daily water intake to maintain an appropriate level for their health condition. This correlation descriptive research aimed to describe hydration literacy, fluid intake, and the association between hydration literacy and fluid intake among older persons with chronic diseases. The sample consisted of 213 older persons with chronic diseases who received healthcare service from three sub-district Health Promotion Hospitals in Mueang Lamphun district, Lamphun province, from May to August 2023. The participants were selected using proportional stratified random sampling and met the criteria of having a chronic disease diagnosis from a physician, having normal cognition function, being able to drink orally, and having the ability to measure and record water intake. The tools for data collection included a demographic and illness data recording form, a water intake record form, and a hydration literacy interview measurement. The hydration literacy interview measurement was tested for reliability and an acceptable coefficient of 0.93 was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed that the older persons with chronic diseases had a moderate level of hydration literacy. Average daily fluid intake was 2,413.97 milliliters which was above the standard criteria. Hydration literacy was positively and statistically correlated with fluid intake at a moderate level (r = .514, p < .01). The results of this research can be used as information for healthcare professionals involved in caring for older persons with chronic diseases, in promoting hydration literacy to make older persons with chronic diseases receive appropriate amount of fluid intake.