AlfaPublicaciones · Oct 19, 2026
Associations between hydration status, body composition, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in older adults from rural areas of Ecuador: a cross-sectional study
By Andrade GCA, Brito EGM, Salto JET
INTRODUCTION: Hydration status and body composition in older adults from rural communities in Ecuador are poorly studied aspects. Sociodemographic factors, physical activity level, fluid intake, and nutritional status may influence fluid compartments and body composition in this population. Therefore, this study examined the associations between sex, age, body composition, physical activity, fluid intake, and overall nutritional status with hydration and body fat measurements evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in rural Ecuadorian older adults. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between body composition, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle factors in older adults from rural areas of Ecuador. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 316 older adults (≥65 years) from rural parishes of Ecuador (Sinincay, Ricaurte, and El Valle). Sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, fluid intake, and nutritional status (MNA) were evaluated. Body composition was analyzed by 8-electrode segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Comparisons between sexes were performed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, chi-square tests, and Spearman correlations with Bonferroni correction. Associations were determined using multivariable linear regressions stratified by sex. RESULTS: A total of 316 older adults were included (68.7% women; mean age 74.3 years). Men presented greater height, weight, muscle mass, lean mass, and body water (p<0.001), while women showed a higher percentage of body fat (41.5% vs 35.8%, p<0.001). Both sexes showed an increase in fat percentage and a decrease in body water with age. Physical activity was positively associated with body water in men (p<0.05), but not in women. BMI was significantly associated with fat percentage in both sexes (p<0.05). Body mass index did not differ between sexes, although the prevalence of excess weight exceeded 60% in the sample. CONCLUSIONS: Sex, age, BMI, and physical activity influence body composition and hydration in rural Ecuadorian older adults. Differences in body water regulation between sexes and the relationship between physical activity and hydration in men suggest the need for sex-specific preventive interventions. Further longitudinal studies in this population are required. General study area: nursing. Specific study area: health and nutrition. Article type: quantitative analytical.