RESUMEN
The study objective was to measure fluid intake and associations with background characteristics and hydration biomarkers in healthy, free-living, non-pregnant women aged 15-69 years from Hargeisa city. We also wanted to estimate the proportion of euhydrated participants and corresponding biomarker cut-off values. Data from 136 women, collected through diaries and questionnaires, 24h urine samples and anthropometric measurements, were obtained with a cross-sectional, purposeful sampling from fifty-two school and health clusters, representing approximately 2250 women. The mean (95 % CI) 24 h total fluid intake (TFI) for all women was 2â 04 (1â 88, 2â 20) litres. In multivariate regression with weight, age, parity and a chronic health problem, only weight remained a predictor (P 0.034, B 0.0156 (l/kg)). Pure water, Somali tea and juice from powder and syrup represented 49â 3, 24â 6 and 11â 7 % of TFI throughout the year, respectively. Mean (95 % CI) 24 h urine volume (Uvol) was 1â 28 (1â 17, 1â 39) litres. TFI correlated strongly with 24 h urine units (r 0.67) and Uvol (r 0.59). Approximately 40 % of the women showed inadequate hydration, using a threshold of urine specific gravity (Usg) of 1â 013 and urine colour (Ucol) of 4. Five percent had Usg > 1â 020 and concomitant Ucol > 6, indicating dehydration. TFI lower cut-offs for euhydrated, non-breast-feeding women were 1â 77 litres and for breast-feeding, 2â 13 litres. Euhydration cut-off for Uvol was 0â 95 litre, equalling 9â 2 urine units. With the knowledge of adverse health effects of habitual hypohydration, Somaliland women should be encouraged to a higher fluid intake.