STAY HYDRATED: COPE ILLNESS – WATER IS THE SOLUTION!

Water is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. It is vital for all known forms of life, even though it provides no calories or organic nutrients.

Evidence suggest that dehydration can negatively impact on health, nevertheless, there are major gaps in knowledge related to measurement of total fluid intake, hydration status at the population level. In the present study we had planned to examine water requirements as a means to encouraging more dialogue on this important topic.

An online study was conducted for 1month among general public to assess the reasons, attitude, knowledge and quantity of water consumption. Study was based on online questionnaire which was sent through online form. A total of 100 participants participated in the study among which 26% were male and 74% were  female, observing educational details of the respondents 76% of study participants were degree holders and all population aged 15-60 years were included in the study. There are many different opinions on how much water should be consumed every day, from our study we got 36% of people drink 1-2 liter of water followed by 32% 2-3liter, 26%<1liter, 6%>3liter. They had various reasons for drinking water i.e., 75% of people drink water even without thirsty, 25% consumes water only when they feel thirsty. 82% of people had an opinion that drinking water removes waste(10%), absorb nutrients(7%), cushion joints(1%). Only 19% of study participants preferred soft drinks over water.

Most of the governments in the world have succeeded to or aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to its residents, and many developed countries have already provided tap water to basic drinking standards. 67% people prefer both tap water and bottled water. Only 10% of study participants drink tap water, whereas 23% prefer bottled water. The reason for drinking bottled water was safety (47.96%), health reasons(46.94%), taste(5.1%).

Conclusion:

2-3liters of water should be consumed per day even without thirsty in order to maintain hydration. Always water should not be replaced with soft drinks; most of the people drink bottled water more frequently. Thus it is necessary for government to provide awareness about water consumption and provide basic drinking standards which is economical to the public.