• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.151-158
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• 2024

Purpose: This study used a single group, pre-post test, quasi-experimental design to determine the effects of guar gum hydrolysate intake with water on older adults at senior day care centers. Methods: Fifty-six older adults from two senior day care centers were enrolled in April 2024. After 12 weeks, fluid intake, functional dependence, self-rated bowel health, and frailty index were measured. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in participants' fluid intake and self-rated bowel health. Changes in frailty index were not statistically significant and require further investigation. Functional dependence did not show statistically significant changes, but more refined assessment criteria are needed. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that consumption of guar gum hydrolysate contributed to rapid relief of constipation symptoms in older adults attending senior day care centers. Therefore, the use of various interventions for constipation, including guar gum hydrolysate, should be considered in the future to improve the degree of constipation and self-rated bowel movement.