The Effect of a Mobile-Compatible Web-Based Hydration Tracking Program on Hydration Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

1.1 Definition and Importance of the Problem Maintaining adequate fluid intake is a critical component of health across all stages of life. Proper hydration is essential for regulating blood pressure, enabling biochemical reactions, supporting nutrient digestion and absorption, maintaining cell and tissue function, thermoregulation, joint lubrication, and the elimination of toxins from the body (Armstrong & Johnson, 2018; Lorenzo et al., 2019; Li et al., 2023).

In older adults, various physiological and behavioral changes make it difficult to maintain adequate hydration. These include a diminished sense of thirst, reduced total body water, forgetfulness, aversion to the taste of water, fear of incontinence, and difficulty accessing fluids due to mobility issues. Such factors often lead to insufficient hydration and, eventually, to dehydration (Masot et al., 2020; Mentes & Gaspar, 2020; Dmitrieva et al., 2024).

Dehydration is a common condition among the older adults, particularly in institutional settings, and is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. These include headaches, dizziness, urinary tract infections, constipation, medication toxicity, respiratory infections, reduced muscle strength, delayed wound healing, fatigue, increased risk of falls, and cognitive impairment (Paulis et al., 2022; Parkinson et al., 2023; Purvis & Gion, 2024). In addition to increasing morbidity and mortality, dehydration extends hospital stays and increases readmission rates (Edmonds et al., 2021; Beck et al., 2021).

In Türkiye, studies indicate that approximately one in three individuals over the age of 65 attending outpatient clinics show signs of dehydration. Factors such as female gender, low education level, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease have been found to be associated with higher dehydration risk. Dehydrated individuals are also more likely to experience reduced physical functioning, sarcopenia, and falls (Atcıyurt et al., 2023).

While dehydration is often preventable, older adults may face challenges in recognizing or responding to their hydration needs. However, consistent daily fluid intake and regular monitoring can significantly reduce the risk. Hence, effective hydration self-management strategies are crucial for maintaining health and preventing complications among older adults (Jimoh et al., 2015; Garcia, 2022; Syed et al., 2024).