Pattern of energy drinks consumption among Howler medical university students in Erbil/Kurdistan region-Iraq

Issa Bahoo, Haitham

	Pattern of energy drinks consumption among Howler medical university students in Erbil/Kurdistan region-Iraq
IRAQI JOURNALOF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Article 1, Volume 28, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 75-80
Author
Haitham Issa Bahoo
Abstract
Background and objectives: Energy drinks are freely available at markets known for their stimulant effects on central nervous system without regulation or proper education regarding its side effects. The caffeine amount within energy drinks is high and could become an addictive substance or cause intoxication. Therefore, this study determined consumption patterns of energy drinks as well as perceived benefits and side effects among medical students at Howler medical university. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 400 Howler medical students completed a self-administered questionnaire to obtain demographic data, reason for use of energy drinks, frequency, symptoms associated with use ,inspiration for use and perception of benefits .Data analysis was done using Open Epi version 2.3.Frequencies and percentages were calculated. Differences between variables using Chi-square test or fisher's exact test as appropriate and a value of p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant . Results: Out of the 400 participants, 120(30%) reported consuming energy drink, 87(72.5%) being males. 65 (54.2%) students residency not with family,120(100%) knowing what energy drink are,71(59.2%) play sport with highly significant association (p<0.001).The students consumed energy drinks while studying for examinations or finishing a project 49(40.8%). Other reasons given include, need for sport 26(21.7%). Sleep disturbances were the most common side effect in our sample 57(47.5%), Tiger was the most widely used 78(65%) , 62(51.7%) thought that energy drink improve their academic performance and friends as inspiration to take energy drink were the commonest reason 68(56.7%) followed by television 32(26.7%). Conclusion: Approximately one third of medical students consume energy drinks and the main reason cited for consumption is the need for energy during examinations. Half of consumers manifested sleep disturbances as side effect . It is important to educate community in general and medical students and adolescents in particular about the hazards from energy drinks. in addition to legislation is needed to ensure that the exact ingredients of these drinks are printed on the labels .
Keywords
Energy Drinks; Caffeine; Adverse effects; medical students

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