Daily Fluid Intake Behaviors And Associated Health Effects Among Australian And United States Populations

Abstract

Minimal data exist exploring the influence of age, physical activity (PA), and prevalence of associated chronic health conditions (CHC) on fluid intake (FI) behaviors and potential intercontinental differences. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize how FI beliefs and behaviors may influence FI practices (beverage consumption, fluid volume, timing) between individuals residing in the United States (US) and Australia (AUS). METHODS: 490 individuals (74.5% female; age, 25±6y; CHC, 16.3%; US, 79.4%) completed a 23-item survey between November 2020 -June 2021. Participants detailed their frequency of PA and FI (volume, frequency, and beverage type). FI beliefs were evaluated to determine their contribution to FI behaviors across the day and the presence of CHC. Multinomial and multiple linear regression analyses explored the association of daily FI beliefs and behaviors across multiple domains. Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to compare FI, beliefs, PA, and CHC between the US and AUS. RESULTS: FI behaviors were significantly different between countries, with the US more likely to consume fluids to meet a total target volume (β=1.150, p=0.036) and consume fluid at the same time as structured daily activities (β=0.773, p=0.046) compared to FI alongside food intake. However, there were no differences in the type of beverage consumed (water, juice, sugarsweetened beverages, and beer), total fluid volume, PA, or FI beliefs between countries (p>0.05). Beverage consumption was higher among US than AUS residents for coffee, tea, and wine (all p < 0.05). Total fluid consumption (mL) was greater among males (3189±2407mL) than females (2215±1132mL; β=3.61, p<0.001), individuals who regularly consumed fluid during the day to meet a targeted volume (β=1728.5, p<0.001), and those who regularly consumed fluid as a habitual behavior (β=3.97, p<0.001) compared to those individuals who only consumed fluid alongside mealtimes (β=1041.7, p<0.001). Individuals with a CHC were less likely to be aware of their frequency of FI (β=1880.9, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FI behaviors differed between the US and AUS; however, total volume consumed, type of beverage, and FI beliefs were similar. FI practices and behaviors appear to be individualized and context-specific among the studied populations.