[A study on fluid intake among nursing home residents].
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were to examine the amount of daily fluid intake among nursing home residents and to explore the caregiver's perceived barriers to elderly's fluid intake.


METHODS
Data was collected from 111 nursing home residents and 64 caregiver's in 4 nursing homes. A random, non-consecutive three days of 24 hour fluid intake was measured and recorded. The caregiver's perceived barriers to elderly's fluid intake was assessed using a structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
The average amount of daily fluid intake was 1,035(SD=359) ml with the range of 210 ml to 2,050 ml. About 52% (n=58) of the subjects had a less than adequate fluid intake. The amount of daily fluid intake was significantly associated with age, mental status, physical functioning, and the number of oral medications ordered. The most frequently mentioned caregiver's perceived barrier was elderly's concern about incontinence with increased fluid intake.


CONCLUSIONS
Inadequate fluid intake among nursing home residents is prevalent. To enhance adequate hydration of nursing home residents, an institution wide nursing intervention is necessary.
Oh
Heeyoung
H
School of Nursing, Eulji University, Korea.
Hur
Myung-Haeng
MH
Kim
Jin-Sun
JS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D004326:Drinking; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000523:psychology