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.