Hydration Status, Knowledge, and Behavior in Youths at Summer Sports Camps

PURPOSE: To assess the hydration status and level of hydration knowledge of youths at summer sports camps. METHODS: Sixty-seven active youths, 57 males (mean +/- SD, 12 +/- 2 y, 136 +/- 16 cm, 50.6 +/- 21.1 kg) and 10 females (13 +/- 2 y, 153 +/- 8 cm, 45.2 +/- 9.0 kg) participated in 4 d of sports camp. Hydration status was assessed before the first practice (AM) and after the second practice (PM). Participants completed surveys assessing hydration knowledge (HAQ) and hydration habits on day 3 and a self-assessment (EQ#1). RESULTS: Mean AM urine specific gravity (USG) and urine osmolality (Uosm) scores ranged from minimal to significant dehydration across 4 d, even when temperatures were mild. Correlations between hydration indices and EQ#1, ranging from 0.11 to -0.51, were statistically significant (P < .05), indicating that subjects recognized when they were doing a good or bad job hydrating. HAQ did not correlate strongly with hydration indices suggesting other impediments to hydration. Thirst correlated negatively with EQ#1 (from -0.29 to -0.60). CONCLUSION: Hydration at summer sports camp is a concern and special efforts need to be made to help youths develop hydration strategies.