Abstract
Introduction:Urinary tract symptoms and infection have been associated with occupational factors that impact hydration habits particularly in women. We compared self-reported urinary symptoms and infection and hydration habits between nurses and other occupations in dialysis units.Methods:Cross-sectional study. Participants worked in five nephrology centers in Brazil and answered an online questionnaire comprising questions regarding urinary tract symptoms and infection episodes in the preceding year; data on usual daily beverage intake, urine frequency, and urine color according to a urine color chart were also collected, as well as perceptions of water access and toilet adequacy at work.Results:We included 133 women (age=36.9±9.5 years). The self-reported usual daily beverage intake was 6.6±2.9 cups/day (~1320 mL), daily urine frequency was 5.4±2.1, and urine color chart score: 3.0±1.2. Nurses (N=66/49.6%) reported higher prevalence of burning sensation (50 versus 27%; P<0.001), urinary urgency (42 versus 21%; P<0.001), and infection (42% versus 25%; P=0.04) as well as lower liquid intake (6.0±2.6 versus 7.3±3.0 cups/day; P=0.01) than controls. Forty four percent of nurses reported being able to drink when thirsty "always" and "most of the time" versus 93% of the control group.Conclusion:Dialysis female nurses reported lower beverage intake and higher prevalence of symptoms and infection than other occupations in the same environment. Interventions to improve hydration can potentially decrease urinary problems in this population.
Highlights
Urinary tract symptoms and infection have been associated with occupational factors that impact hydration habits in women
While urinary symptoms can compromise the quality of life and productivity[5], urinary tract infections are associated with high antibiotic prescriptions[6] and an increased risk of antibioticresistant urinary pathogens[7]
The prohibition of having water bottles in hemodialysis rooms due to infection control regulations and the impossibility of leaving patients unattended are common rules in dialysis units. This topic has not been explored in these settings, we hypothesize that these regulations can impact hydration habits and urinary issues of female dialysis nurses
Summary
Staying well hydrated means drinking sufficient water during the day and emptying the bladder whenever required[1]. The prohibition of having water bottles in hemodialysis rooms due to infection control regulations and the impossibility of leaving patients unattended are common rules in dialysis units. This topic has not been explored in these settings, we hypothesize that these regulations can impact hydration habits and urinary issues of female dialysis nurses. In this cross-sectional multicenter study, we compared the prevalence of self-reported urinary symptoms and infections and hydration markers between dialysis nurses and other occupations sharing the same work environment
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