Association Between Health-Related Behaviors and Health Status and Hydration Status in Polish Adults.

Objectives

The health of the adult population is the result of many interacting variables, with health behaviors and lifestyle playing a key role. This study aimed to identify associations among health-related behaviors and health and hydration status in Polish adults.

Methods

The completion of a beverage frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was undertaken by a total of 337 participants. Blood pressure (BP), anthropometric parameters, and body composition were measured. Urine samples were analyzed for specific gravity (USG), osmolality (Uosm), and potential hydrogen value (pH). Health-related behaviors were assessed using the Health Index Score (HIS), classifying participants into two groups: unhealthy habits (0-2 HIS group) and healthy habits (3-5 HIS group). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Approximately 30% of participants (n = 115) exhibited unhealthy habits. Individuals in the 0-2 HIS group were more likely to be male, smoke, have low physical activity, be overweight or obese, sleep < 6 h, and/or consume alcohol ≥ 2 times/week. In contrast, higher HIS (3-5) was associated with female gender, non-smoking, moderate-to-high physical activity, normal body mass index (BMI), adequate sleep, and consuming alcohol < 2 times/week. Fatigue during the day (OR: 1.45), waist circumference (WC) (OR: 1.35), and Uosm (OR: 1.87) increased un-healthy habits. Conversely, greater consumption of non-carbonated mineral water (OR: 0.54) was linked to lower unhealthy habits.

Conclusions

The HIS and hydration-related parameters can complement the assessment of the health status of the adult population and the identification of groups requiring special support in health promotion interventions.