Oral Fluids and Electrolytes in Non-diarrheal Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Indian General Physicians

Background and objective Dehydration in non-diarrheal illnesses (NDIs) imposes significant fluid and electrolyte burdens, yet awareness and clinical practices regarding oral rehydration in this context remain insufficiently studied. This survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of general physicians (GPs) in India regarding oral fluid and electrolyte management in acute NDIs. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among verified GPs across India using a validated, four-domain questionnaire covering participant demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices. The survey was completed by 1,333 GPs (MBBS: 48.5%; AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy): 51.5%). Data were analyzed descriptively as frequencies (percentages) and numbers of responses or GPs. Results Fever/febrile illness was the most recognized cause of dehydration in NDIs (24.6%), with elderly patients identified as most vulnerable (23.4%). Most GPs (89.9%) acknowledged that fluid-electrolyte deficits impair immune function, and 87% agreed dehydration delays recovery by approximately 5.1 days. Attitudes toward ready-to-drink (RTD) isotonic electrolyte solutions were highly favorable: 92.6% considered them superior to plain water, 91.7% believed they accelerate recovery, and 92% agreed that formulations containing calcium, magnesium, and taurine support faster recovery in NDIs. Palatability emerged as a key compliance driver: 89.6% rated taste as very important or important, 84.9% endorsed lemon-flavored drinks for improving acceptance and countering nausea, and 83.3% agreed sucralose enhances palatability within safe permissible limits. In practice, RTD solutions (32.7%) were frequently recommended, as they shortened the GPs’ self-reported perception of recovery by 5.2 days, though only 60.9% of GPs routinely assessed hydration status. Conclusions GPs demonstrate broadly favorable KAP toward RTD isotonic electrolyte use in NDIs. Gaps in dehydration recognition and routine assessment highlight the need for targeted physician education and evidence-based clinical guidelines.