Title:Energy Drinks Consumption, Knowledge and Self-Reported Effect among University Students in Jordan: Cross-sectional Study
Volume: 17
Issue: 6
Author(s): Nour Amin Elsahoury*, Omar A. Alhaj, Andrea M. McGrattan and Fwziah J. Hammad
Affiliation:
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman 11196,Jordan
Keywords:
Energy drinks, university students, prevalence, knowledge, consumption patterns, adverse effect.
Abstract:
Background: Consumption of energy drinks (EDs) has increased exponentially among
younger generations, and this increase is projected to continue.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the prevalence, knowledge level, intake patterns, and
consumer experience of consuming EDs among university students in Jordan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 467 students from 29 universities was conducted by a webbased
questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were performed,
with a p-value of ≤0.05 indicating significance.
Results: The prevalence of EDs was 40.1% among university students. Over half (62.7%) of students
had poor knowledge of EDs. The most significant determinants identified were male
(OR=2.18; 95%CI: 1.14-4.15), undergraduate (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.70-9.72), in a nonmedical
discipline (OR=2.92; 95% CI: 1.56-5.44), smoker (OR=9.91;95%Cl: 5.30-18.54) and
having a poor knowledge level (OR=40.46;95%CI: 14.33-114.27). Students mainly consumed
Red Bull, and the majority consumed 1-2 can(s) daily. Students were more likely to consume
EDs during exams to mainly stay awake. The major side effects experienced by this sample were
increased urination and headache. No changes in mental or physical performance, weight, appetite,
and sleeping pattern were observed among the majority of respondents.
Conclusion: Consumption of EDs was moderate among university students. Gender, study
course, study year, smoking, and knowledge level were determinants of their intake.