Abstract
Purpose:
The current randomized controlled trial examined the effects of Health Belief Model (HBM)–based education on daily water intake, hydration biomarkers, thirst discomfort, and dry eye complaints in older adults.
Method:
Eighty community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years with insufficient daily water intake (n
= 40) and control (
n
= 40) groups. Eligibility was determined using predefined inclusion criteria and baseline assessments. The intervention included individualized HBM–based education supported by a booklet and intake log. Data were collected using a descriptive form, Thirst Discomfort Scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index, and refractometer-based measurements of urine specific gravity and refractive index.
Results:
Postintervention mean daily water intake significantly increased in the intervention group (mean = 749.8 [
SD
= 176] mL vs. 572.9 [
SD
= 159.3] mL;
p
p
p
= .002), the clinical impact was limited.
Conclusion:
HBM–based education increased water intake and reduced thirst discomfort, supporting community-based geriatric nursing practice. Future studies should examine long-term effects and support integration of theory-based hydration education into nursing training and clinical practice.