Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41526836›Full record

ArticleBMC geriatrics2026

Hydration status, thirst discomfort, and ocular surface health among older adults in Türkiye: a cross-sectional study.

Elif Kant, Arzu Çimen, Emine Aydınalp Balta, Reva Balcı Akpınar, Meltem Şirin Gök, Bahar Çiftçi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Elif KantDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3643-1975
Arzu ÇimenDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1983-9140
Emine Aydınalp BaltaDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4200-5964
Reva Balcı AkpınarDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey. reva@atauni.edu.tr.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8796-6497
Meltem Şirin GökDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5610-9943
Bahar ÇiftçiDepartment of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6221-3042

Funding

Atatürk Üniversitesi TSA-2023-12785
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThis study aimed to determine the amount of fluid consumed, factors influencing fluid intake, and the symptoms of thirst in elderly individuals living in the community, and to examine the relationship between thirst discomfort, hydration status, and ocular surface health.

methodsThe study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design and was conducted between July 2023 and December 2024, in the Aydıntepe district of Bayburt Province. The study included 110 individuals aged 65 and older who were able to communicate and agreed to participate. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Participants' demographic information was recorded using the Introductory Information Form. The level of thirst discomfort was assessed with the Thirst Discomfort Scale (TDS); ocular symptoms were measured with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Information about urine colour and daily fluid consumption was obtained from the participants. The results were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, t-test for independent groups, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the data.

resultsThe study found that the mean total TDS score was 20.61 ± 6.43, indicating moderate levels of thirst discomfort among elderly individuals. According to the OSDI results, individuals with severe ocular symptoms exhibited significantly higher discomfort related to thirst (F = 3.936, p = 0.010). A trend toward significance was observed between hydrated, moderately dehydrated, and dehydrated individuals regarding thirst discomfort levels; dehydrated individuals tended to have higher scores (F = 3.019, p = 0.053).

conclusionsIn elderly individuals, thirst discomfort was moderate, and ocular symptoms influenced the perception of thirst. The findings emphasise the importance of individualised approaches to thirst management and regular monitoring of hydration status in older adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dehydration is a significant issue that can impact the quality of life for elderly individuals. Health professionals should regularly assess individuals’ hydration status and develop individualised strategies to improve fluid intake. Given the relationship between ocular surface disease symptoms and fluid intake, interventions should be planned using a multidisciplinary approach.

trial registrationNot applicable.

Indexed as

DehydrationDrinkingDry Eye SyndromesOrganism Hydration StatusThirstAgedAged, 80 and overCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleDehydrationFluid consumptionGeriatric individualsOcular surface diseaseThirst discomfort

Identifiers

PMID41526836
PMCPMC12911107

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.