Low water intake among US workers: The parched workforce

Background: Dietary intake has been examined by various occupations however, little is known about the relationship between occupation and adherence to Adequate Intake (AI) recommendations for the nutrient water. We compared self-reported water intake to the AI (≥3.7 and ≥2.7 liters for males and females, respectively) by occupational groups. Methods: We pooled data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N=7,193). Workers ≥19 years of age who self-reported water intake during a 24-hour dietary recall were included. Logistic regression was performed using weighted data appropriate for a multi-stage-complex survey sampling design. Occupational groups were classified as: White-collar, Service, Farm, and Blue-collar workers. Results: Adherence to the AI recommendation was poor for all occupational groups: White-collar [Weighted Proportion: 0.61; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (0.59-0.63)], Farm [0.57; (0.48-0.65)], Blue-collar [0.57; (0.53-0.60)], and Service [0.54; (0.50-0.58)] workers. Blue-collar [Odds ratio: 0.84; CI: (0.72-0.99)] and Service workers [0.76; (0.64-0.89)] were less likely than White-collar workers to meet the recommendations. Conclusion: All occupational groups consumed less than 100% of the recommended AI for water. Heat and/or physically demanding jobs can increase sweating and water requirements. Surprisingly, Farm workers compared to all other workers were not less likely to meet the AI for water than any other workers, especially considering the physical nature of their job. Not meeting the AI for water intake can lead to dehydration and associated health problems. Workplace health promotion/interventions should consider including educational activities that inform workers of the recommended water AI, particularly for groups identified as high risk.