PATTERNS OF ENERGY DRINK CONSUMPTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

  • Shakeela Asif
  • Alia Qazi
  • Nida Asif
  • Hamana Tahir
  • Tauseef Aman

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The trend of energy drink consumption has grown rapidly in recent years. Prevalence of use of energy drinks among adolescent and young adults has continued to increase and young adults aged 18–34 are a major target group. Objective of this study was to assess the reasons for consumptions of energy drinks by medical students and adverse effects experienced by them. 
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate medical students of Rehman Medical College Peshawar, from 1st March to July 2017. A sample size of 200 students was selected by simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to record the information about demographic characteristics of medical students, reasons and patterns of energy drinks consumption in last one month and associated side effects of using energy drinks. 
RESULTS: Out of 200 participants, 134 (67%) respondents reported ‘ever consuming an energy drink’, whereas 100 participants (50%) reported consuming energy drink currently. Staying awake was the most common reason to consume energy drinks, as reported by 40% of medical students, followed by energy booster 37%, driving a car
for long time 35%, while study 24%, sports 20% and 17% to treat a hangover. Regarding adverse effects of energy drinks, heart palpitation were experienced by 13% medical students, 11% reported insomnia and increased urination, 10% reported ever having headache and 9 % anxiety from consuming energy drinks. 
CONCLUSION: Energy drinks consumption was prevalent among undergraduate medical students for a variety of reasons. Moreover adverse effects from consuming energy drinks were somewhat common. Health interventions program regarding the awareness of energy drinks’ ingredients and careful use among undergraduate medical students are recommended. 
KEYWORDS: Energy drinks, Medical students, Health behavior. 

Published
2019-04-18
Section
ORIGINAL ARTICLES