Evaluation of hydration status during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of Turkish young adults

Abstract

Adequate hydration is an essential component of health at every stage of life. Although many factors such as age, gender, physical activity, drug use, and illness affect hydration status, it is vital to maintain water balance, especially in infectious diseases. This study was conducted to estimate the hydration status of young adults living in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total water intake (TWI) and total water loss of the individuals were determined using the Water Balance Questionnaire (WBQ), which consists of questions about physical activity status, frequency of food and beverage consumption, water consumption, and water loss with urine and feces. The TWI of men and women was found to be 4,776.1 and 4,777.3 mL/day, respectively (p > 0.05). It was determined that 29% of the total water was obtained from drinking water, 49% from other beverages, and 22% from food. A positive net water balance was found in all body mass index (BMI) groups, men, and women. The net water balance was statistically lower in men (2,230.6 mL) than women (2,783.8 mL) (p < 0.05). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, studies should be done on hydration status in the more balanced populations in terms of BMI and age groups. HIGHLIGHTS The present findings show that there is a positive net water balance in all body mass index groups, men and women.; It was determined that 74.5% of men and 93.5% of women met the Dietary Reference Intake recommendation in terms of total water intake.; Individuals' total energy intake (TEI) was found to be 2,538 kcal/day and the effect of energy taken from beverages on TEI was 7.6%.;

Keywords

• covid-19
• hydration
• water balance
• water intake
• wbq