Water Bell System Improves Hydration Status of Children: An Experimental Study at Dakshina Kannada District
Francilla Soniya Dsouza, Melba Roshini Lobo, Umarani JayaramanObjectives
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the water bell system in improving the hydration status of children.
Material and Methods
A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was used for the study. The research was conducted at Vidya Rathna High School, Madaka, as the intervention group, and Syed Madani High School, Ullal, as the control group. The total sample size was 90. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used, with 45 children in the intervention group and 45 children in the control group. The pretest for both the intervention and control groups was conducted on the first day using a demographic proforma, assessment of water drinking habits, pattern of urination, hydration status rating scale, and urine analysis. For the intervention group, a 15-day water bell system was implemented by ringing a bell at three intervals of 10 am, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Children in the control group continued with their regular water drinking habits. The posttest assessment for both groups was conducted on the 16th day.
Results
In the intervention group, the majority (48.9%) of the children were aged 15 years. The highest (51.1%) number of children in the intervention group were females. An equal proportion of children in both groups were studying in the 8th, 9th, and 10th standards (33.3% each). In the intervention group, a paired t-test showed that pre and post-test patterns of urination and hydration status within the group were significant, while comparison of post-test patterns of urination and hydration status between the groups, an unpaired t-test showed a highly significant difference at p <0.05.
Conclusion
The water bell system is effective in maintaining children’s normal hydration status and their pattern of urination. This study concluded water bell system is effective in maintaining the normal hydration status of children, and it can be implemented in all schools to keep children hydrated throughout the day.