engleski

Consumption of energy drinks among Croatian university students

Background: The energy drink (ED) market has grown rapidly in recent years. ED consumption among university students is of particular concern since this population, engaged in academic pursuit is an ideal target for the ED promotion. The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of ED consumption among Croatian university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among cross-faculty representative student sample of University of Osijek, Eastern Croatia, within which a validated, online, anonymous questionnaire was self-administered. General demographic data, as well as data related to ED consumption among university students were collected. Results: The study sample included 424 students, the average age being 22.8 years (range 19-53) ; 73.8% females and 26.2% males. Among all study participants there were 52.4% of those who drink ED. Among those who drink ED, 81.1% consume them 1-5 times and 19.9% consume them 6 or more times monthly. Among those who drink ED there were 31.1% of students who consume less than one can, 64.9% of students who consume one can and 4.1% of students who consume more than one can of ED on one occasion. The main reasons for ED consumption were staying awake (52.3%) or helping concentrate for studying (25.2%) while all other reasons were much less frequent (range between 3.6% and 5.9%). The study revealed that consumption of ED was more frequent among males than among females (χ2-test ; p = 0.006). Males who drink ED more frequently consume those drinks 6 or more times monthly than females who drink ED (χ2-test ; p = 0.045). There was also statistically significant difference in amount of ED drank on one occasion among males and females (χ2-test ; p < 0.001). Conclusions: ED consumption is prevalent among university students participating in this study. Male students are especially prone to excessive ED consumption. Targeted preventive programs are needed to change established pattern of ED consumption in university student population. Key messages: University students tend to consume significant amounts of energy drinks that can potentially have adverse effects on their health. Knowing and better understanding the pattern of energy drink consumption among university students can help to better regulate the usage of these products.

energy drinks ; university students ; Croatia

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