Fluid Intake And Prevalence Of Nocturia In Geriatric Populations

Abstract

Nocturia is common among older adults. One treatment strategy is to reduce evening fluid intake. However, this recommendation could put older adults with nocturia at higher risk for not meeting daily water recommendations. PURPOSE: To determine if there is a relationship between total daily fluid intake and nocturia symptoms in a geriatric population (> 65 y). The study will assess 1) if lower daily fluid intake is associated with symptoms of nocturia, 2) if certain beverages are related to higher rates of nocturia, and 3) compare incidence rates of meeting sex-specific daily water recommendations between those with and those without nocturia. METHODS: Participants [n = 76 (52 female), 167 ± 10 cm, 74 ± 16 kg, 73 ± 6 y] were recruited to complete a survey electronically via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) as part of a pilot study. Recruitment was done in conjunction with the University of Washington. The survey included the Sleep Quality Questionnaire, and Hydration Questionnaire (BEVQ-15). Total daily fluid volume was calculated by summing together the fluid intake for each beverage based off frequency of intake and the amount consumed during each intake. Participants were grouped into severe nocturia (HIGH; n = 26) if they selected “three or more times a week,” moderate nocturia (MOD; n = 25) if they reported “once or twice a week” or “less than once a week,” or no nocturia (NO; n = 25) if they selected “not during the past month” in relation to urination frequency at night during the past month. RESULTS: Of 116 surveys started, 76 were completed. No significant difference in average daily fluid intake was found between NO (1467.73 ± 155.85 mL/day), MOD (1507.07 ± 155.85 mL/day), and HIGH (1525.40 ± 152.90 mL/day) groups (F [2,73] =0.036, p = 0.965). Only five participants met daily water recommendations (NO, n = 1; MOD, n = 3; HIGH, n = 1). There was a notable, but non-significant relationship between nocturia symptoms and any alcohol consumption (NO 33% yes, MOD 28% yes, HIGH 12% yes, p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: It does not appear that older adults with nocturia reduce fluid intake to a greater degree than those without nocturia. Overall, the incidence of underhydration in this sample was below recommendations.