Energy Drinks: knowledge and Practice Among Non-Medical University Students

Abstract

Background: Despite their adverse impacts on human health, energy drinks (EDs) are becoming more and more popular, especially among young adults, due in part to the advertisement campaigns of manufacturing companies. This study aims at assessing the consumption practice of EDs among students at non-medical colleges along with their knowledge about EDs. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional in which an online questionnaire was distributed among students at non-medical colleges at the University of Mosul. The questionnaire included questions about knowledge and the practice of consumption of EDs in participants. The collected data were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages, in addition to assessing the correlation between knowledge and various characteristics of the students. Results: A total of 1039 students completed the questionnaire, more than one-third were in the 4th year. More than 80% of the participants knew what EDs were but only 30% were knowledgeable about their ingredients. Although the majority were aware that EDs have negative effects, only 45% knew that EDs cause insomnia. More than 70% of the students did not drink EDs, and among those who admitted drinking, one-third declared consuming 1-3 times monthly and more than two-thirds preferred sugar containing products. Helping to study was the main motive behind drinking as reported by the students while disliking EDs was the main reason given by those students who do not consume EDs. Gender, weekly income and being a consumer of EDs were found to have significant effects on the knowledge of the students. Conclusions: The level of knowledge was found to be low, which necessitates increasing the awareness of the public through official campaigns and warning labels on EDs.

Keywords

• non-medical students
• energy drinks
• knowledge and practice