A quantitative survey to explore caffeinated energy drink consumption patterns and knowledge of its health impacts among Liverpool John Moores University students

Public Health Dissertation Prize Winner

Abstract

Background: Energy drinks are a type of liquid beverage that often contains a large amount of caffeine and other ingredients such as taurine, guarana, vitamin B, ginseng, milk thistle, L-carnitine, and ginkgo biloba. Energy drinks are marketed as performance enhancers, but their excessive consumption has raised significant health concerns, including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and risk of addiction. This study aimed to explore patterns of caffeinated energy drink consumption, reasons for consumption, the knowledge of the effects of energy drinks, and influence of this knowledge on consumption behaviour among students at Liverpool John Moores University.  

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional quantitative survey design. A self-administered structured online questionnaire was distributed via the University’s Canvas site and WhatsApp recruiting students from any discipline. 

Results: Of 31 participants, 58% were female and 67% were aged 26-40.  Eighty per cent were postgraduates and 77% were international students. Of these participants, 45% consumed energy drinks less than once a month. Primary motivations included energy boosts (41%), staying awake (38%), exam preparation (29%) and taste (29%). Advertisements (35%) and recommendations from others (22%) were key influencers. Despite 51% having high awareness of the health risks, consumption remained prevalent. According to participants increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, increase urination, headache, dental decay, cardiovascular diseases were the most known side effects. Knowledge influenced consumption behaviour for 25% of respondents, but 22% remained unaffected, with 67% open to reducing consumption with more information. There was a statistically significant relationship between students' awareness of the side effects of energy drinks and how their knowledge about caffeine influences their consumption behaviour. 

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address knowledge gaps and promote healthier choices among university students. Effective health education, stress management, and public health campaigns are crucial. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of energy drinks and the effectiveness of intervention strategies to reduce consumption. Longitudinal, qualitative, and comparative studies will offer deeper insights and specific recommendations.