Water Intake Adequacy and Hydration Status of Secondary School Adolescents in Jos, Plateau State

Adequate hydration is essential for physiological function, cognitive performance, and physical wellbeing, yet adolescent fluid intake is frequently below recommended levels in many low-resource school settings. This study assesses water intake adequacy and hydration status among adolescent students aged 11 to 17 years in secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. The high altitude and cooler climate of Jos, combined with limited water point access in schools, create a unique hydration context compared to lowland Nigerian cities. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 adolescents selected from six secondary schools using stratified random sampling. Daily total water intake was assessed using a validated fluid frequency questionnaire capturing water and all fluid sources consumed over a two-day period. Urine colour using a validated eight-point colour scale and urine specific gravity measured from midstream samples were used as objective hydration indices. Physical activity level and weight status were also recorded. Findings are expected to reveal that a significant proportion of students consume less than recommended daily fluid volumes, with dehydration more prevalent in male students and those with high physical activity levels. Limited access to clean drinking water in schools was identified as a key barrier. The study recommends school water provision policies and hydration awareness programmes in Plateau State. Keywords: water intake, hydration, adolescents, Jos, Plateau State.