Proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal health and ensuring the effective functioning of various bodily systems. Adequate water intake is crucial for regulating body temperature, maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting cellular functions, and promoting overall well-being. For healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, maintaining adequate hydration is paramount as it directly influences their cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and overall performance. Despite the recognized importance of hydration, the specific patterns of drinking water consumption among doctors, especially in demanding work environments such as hospitals, remain underexplored. [1-6]

Doctors working at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, operate in a high-stress, high-demand environment that often requires long hours and intense focus. The unique geographic and climatic conditions of Chamba, characterized by its mountainous terrain and variable weather, further complicate the hydration needs of individuals. Given these challenges, it is imperative to understand how doctors at this institution manage their water intake and whether they meet the recommended hydration guidelines.

Hydration habits can significantly impact doctors' physical health and professional efficiency. Dehydration, even at mild levels, can lead to cognitive impairments, decreased alertness, and reduced physical performance. These effects are particularly concerning for doctors, whose responsibilities include making critical decisions, performing precise procedures, and managing emergency situations. Furthermore, the demanding nature of medical practice, with its often irregular schedules and limited break times, may hinder regular water consumption, leading to suboptimal hydration. [7- 11]

Previous research has indicated that many healthcare professionals do not prioritize their hydration needs, often due to time constraints, workload pressures, and the lack of accessible drinking water sources [11,12]. Studies have shown that nurses and doctors frequently report insufficient water intake during their shifts, which can lead to dehydration-related symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and decreased concentration [12,13]. However, there is a paucity of data specifically focusing on the drinking water consumption patterns of doctors in the context of an Indian medical college setting, particularly in regions like Chamba.

Understanding the hydration practices of doctors is crucial for developing targeted interventions that can enhance their health and work efficiency. By identifying the patterns and barriers to adequate water consumption among doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, this study aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform the creation of supportive policies and practices. These may include ensuring the availability of drinking water stations, promoting regular hydration breaks, and educating healthcare professionals about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration.

This study's primary aim is to evaluate the pattern of drinking water consumption among doctors working at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. By assessing their hydration habits, identifying potential gaps, and understanding the factors influencing their water intake, this research seeks to promote better health practices among doctors. The findings of this study will be instrumental in guiding future efforts to enhance the well- being of healthcare professionals, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and healthcare outcomes in the region.

The primary objective is to assess the drinking water consumption patterns among doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach -Descriptive
• Research Design- Cross-sectional survey design
• Study area: at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.
• Study duration- between January 2024 to May 2024
• Study population: The study's target population encompassed doctors who had been working in Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.
• Sample size- A robust sample size of 100 was determined assuming that 50% of doctors had adequate water consumption, 95% confidence level, 10% absolute error margin, and a conservative 5% non-response rate.
• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and water consumption pattern was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents.
• Data collection- Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 100 responses were collected.
  • Data analysis- Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage.
  • Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained.

The study assessed 100 doctors from Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, focusing on their socio-demographic characteristics and patterns of drinking water consumption.

Table 1 presents the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. The age distribution indicates a relatively young cohort, with the majority of doctors (74%) being less than 40 years old. Specifically, 34% were less than 30 years old, 40% were between 30-39 years, 18% were between 40-49 years, and 8% were 50 years and above. This distribution reflects a youthful workforce, which is typical in many medical settings where younger doctors are completing their training and early years of practice.

In terms of gender, there was a slight male predominance with 56% male doctors and 44% female doctors. Marital status showed that 45% of the doctors were single, 50% were married, and 5% were divorced or widowed, indicating a balanced mix of family responsibilities among the participants. The education levels varied, with 35% holding an MBBS degree, 65% having completed MD/MS, suggesting a highly qualified group of doctors with significant professional training.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of Participants (N = 100)

Table 2 provides insights into the drinking water consumption patterns of the doctors. The average daily water intake varied significantly among participants. About 15% consumed less than 1 liter of water daily, which is considerably

below the recommended intake. 30% of doctors reported drinking 1-2 liters daily, 35% drank 2-3 liters, and 20% consumed more than 3 liters per day. These findings indicate that while a portion of the doctors meets the adequate hydration levels, a notable percentage falls short of the recommended water intake.

The frequency of water intake during work hours showed that 28% of doctors drank water less than three times during their shifts, 45% drank water 3-5 times, and 27% more than five times. This variation suggests that while some doctors make a conscious effort to stay hydrated, others may struggle due to the demands of their work environment.

Regarding the preferred source of drinking water, 25% relied on tap water, 50% used filtered water, 15% preferred bottled water, and 10% used other sources. This preference for filtered water might reflect concerns about water quality and a desire for safe hydration.

Self-reported awareness of hydration levels indicated that 22% of doctors rated their awareness as low, 55% as moderate, and 23% as high. This indicates a need for improved education and awareness regarding hydration among the doctors to ensure they understand its importance fully.

Table 2: Water Consumption Patterns (N = 100)

Table 3 explores the barriers that doctors face in maintaining adequate hydration. The most significant barrier identified was time constraints, reported by 40% of participants. This highlights the demanding nature of their work schedules, which may limit opportunities for regular water intake. Workload pressure was cited by 35% of the doctors, further emphasizing the intense and often unpredictable nature of medical practice that can hinder consistent hydration.

Another notable barrier was the lack of accessible drinking water sources, reported by 20% of doctors. This suggests that improving the availability of drinking water stations within the hospital could significantly enhance hydration practices. Additionally, 30% of doctors mentioned forgetfulness as a barrier, indicating that despite understanding the importance of hydration, the demands of their work might cause them to neglect regular water intake. Other barriers were reported by 10% of participants, indicating a variety of individual challenges faced by the doctors

Table 3: Barriers to Adequate Hydration (N = 100)

Table 4 examines the self-reported health outcomes related to hydration among the doctors. The frequency of dehydration symptoms such as headaches and fatigue was noted, with 20% of doctors rarely experiencing these symptoms, 50% sometimes, and 30% often. This highlights that a significant portion of doctors experience dehydration symptoms regularly, which could impact their overall well-being and professional performance.

The impact of hydration on professional performance was also assessed, with 40% of doctors reporting no impact, 35% reporting a slight impact, 20% reporting a moderate impact, and 5% reporting a significant impact. This suggests that while some doctors manage to maintain hydration levels that do not affect their work, a substantial number experience varying degrees of performance decline due to inadequate hydration.

Table 4: Health Outcomes Related to Hydration (Self-reported) (N = 100)

These tables provide a detailed overview of the socio-demographic characteristics, water consumption patterns, barriers to adequate hydration, and related health outcomes among doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba. This information is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve hydration practices and overall health and performance among healthcare professionals.

The present study aimed to evaluate the drinking water consumption patterns among doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. The findings provide critical insights into the hydration habits, barriers to adequate water intake, and the health outcomes related to hydration among this group of healthcare professionals. These results underscore the importance of addressing hydration needs to enhance doctors' health and professional performance, aligning with existing literature on the topic.

The socio-demographic profile of the participants reveals a predominantly young cohort, with 74% of doctors being under 40 years of age. This aligns with findings from other studies indicating that younger healthcare professionals form a significant portion of the medical workforce. The gender distribution showed a slight male predominance (56% male, 44% female), reflecting similar trends reported in other healthcare settings where male doctors often outnumber females. [14,15]

The data on water consumption patterns reveal significant variations among the doctors. Only 20% of the participants met the recommended daily water intake of more than 3 liters, while 45% drank less than 2 liters daily. This is concerning as it indicates that a substantial number of doctors are not meeting their hydration needs. Similar findings were reported by previous studies, who noted that inadequate water intake is prevalent among healthcare workers, often due to demanding work schedules and limited break times. [16-18]

The frequency of water intake during work hours varied, with 28% drinking water less than three times during their shifts. This is consistent with research by Alqahtani et al. (2018), which highlighted that healthcare professionals often struggle to maintain adequate hydration due to their busy work environments. The preference for filtered water (50%) suggests concerns about water quality, a sentiment echoed in studies from similar settings where filtered or bottled water is preferred over tap water to avoid contaminants. [19,20]

Time constraints and workload pressure were identified as the primary barriers to adequate hydration, reported by 40% and 35% of the doctors, respectively. These findings are in line with previous researches, who found that healthcare professionals frequently cite time pressures and high workload as significant barriers to maintaining adequate hydration. Additionally, 20% of doctors reported a lack of accessible drinking water sources, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure to support hydration in the workplace. Forgetfulness, reported by 30%, further highlights the need for awareness and behavioral interventions to promote regular water intake among doctors. [21,22]

The study revealed that 30% of doctors often experienced dehydration symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. This is consistent with the findings of earlier stuies, which demonstrated that dehydration can lead to cognitive impairments and physical discomfort, adversely affecting performance. The impact of hydration on professional performance was significant, with 55% of doctors reporting at least a slight impact on their work. This aligns with the previous studies, which found that dehydration could impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities, critical for medical professionals. [16-19]

The findings of this study are consistent with other research on hydration among healthcare professionals. Additionally, the barriers identified in our study, such as time constraints and workload pressure, have been widely reported in the literature. These consistent findings across different studies highlight the widespread nature of hydration challenges among healthcare professionals and the need for targeted interventions. [22-24]

The insights gained from this study have significant implications for practice and policy at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College and similar institutions. There is a clear need for interventions that promote regular hydration among doctors. These could include ensuring the availability of accessible drinking water stations, scheduling regular hydration breaks, and conducting educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of adequate hydration. Implementing these measures can help mitigate the barriers identified and improve the overall health and performance of healthcare professionals.

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the reliance on self-reported data may introduce response bias, as participants might overestimate or underestimate their water intake. Secondly, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causality between hydration patterns and health outcomes. Longitudinal studies would be more effective in establishing causal relationships. Additionally, the study was conducted in a single institution, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to other settings with different demographic and work environments.

This study has provided valuable insights into the drinking water consumption patterns among doctors at Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. It revealed significant variations in hydration habits, with many doctors not meeting the recommended daily water intake. Key barriers to adequate hydration included time constraints, workload pressure, lack of accessible drinking water sources, and forgetfulness. The study also highlighted the adverse health outcomes associated with dehydration, such as frequent headaches and fatigue, which can impair professional performance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as providing accessible drinking water stations, promoting regular hydration breaks, and educating doctors about the importance of adequate hydration. By addressing these barriers and promoting better hydration practices, healthcare institutions can enhance the health and performance of their medical staff, ultimately improving patient care outcomes. Future research should continue to explore and evaluate effective strategies to ensure healthcare professionals maintain optimal hydration levels.

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