Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Hydration Education Session on the Older Adult Population’s Knowledge of Hydration Needs

Abstract

Background: Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations in the older adult population. As we age our thirst sensation decreases, increasing our risk for dehydration. Older adults are at a greater risk of dehydration due to body composition changes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an education session on increasing the awareness and importance of maintaining proper hydration and the possible implications associated with decreased hydrations status.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a lesson on hydration importance in the older adult population.

Methods: Twenty-five participants were provided an education lesson on hydration needs and importance of hydration in the older adult population. The participants were given a pre and post-test to complete before and after the lesson. The total score of the pre-test and post-test were compared. Confidence in hydration knowledge was also captured on the post-test. The quantitative data collected from the pre and post-tests and were compared using paired t-tests with a p value of <0.05 as statistically significant.

Participants: 25 older adults (ages 65 or older) participated in the study.

Intervention: A 30-minute lesson plan which explained the importance of hydration in the older adult population was given at the St. Barts facility.

Results: From the intervention education session, there is statistical significance between the education session and the knowledge of the older adults based on the mean of the total scores increasing from the pre and post-test. The data proved to be statistically significant, that after the education session the 25 participants felt more confident in their ability to meet their hydration requirements each day. The participants also were able to understand how important hydration status is and what some of the common signs and symptoms are to help prevent becoming dehydrated. For this study specifically it was important to determine the increase in knowledge and understanding of how important hydration is to the participants overall health.

Conclusion: The hydration education session was effective in teaching the older adults the importance of hydration in this population. It is imperative to continue to provide hydration education to this vulnerable population to help eliminate unnecessary hospitalizations and shorten the length of stay while in the hospital.