Abstract:
Water is essential to body mechanisms but this fact is overlooked by a large number of people
due to limited knowledge on effects of low intake on health and wellbeing. This study attempted
to provide some sense of current knowledge of water including overall patterns of intake, factors
linked to intake and the amount of water required. The research was conducted in University of
Eldoret undergraduate students aged 18-25 years using a cross-sectional survey. A sample
population of 344 was used to derive descriptive data using self-administered questionnaires.
The data was analyzed on SPSS 22. Most of the respondents had limited knowledge on basic
facts on water and its adverse effects on health and they also consumed less water than the
recommended daily amount especially when the environment was not conducive. Nutrition
knowledge and course taken (r= .2052**) and water intake practices and year of study (r=
2067**; P<.001), respectively, were main determinants of positive water intake behavior. There
is need to enhance nutrition education especially regarding water intake so as to encourage
positive attitudes and practices among consumers. Institutions are also encouraged to work on
healthy and comfortable drinking water points which may enhance daily water intake among
their populations. |
