Is the Consumption of Energy Drinks Associated With Academic Achievement Among College Students?

The Association Between Caffeine Consumption and Academic Success in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

 The consumption of caffeinated beverages has increased significantly, particularly, among young adults. They use caffeinated drinks for a variety of reasons. The most popular reason is to enhance mental alertness by improving brain function, wakefulness, and productivity. The high prevalence rate of caffeinated drinks among young adults may affect their academic performance level.

METHODOLOGY

 A descriptive cross-sectional study based on an electronic questionnaire via Google Forms, conducted in February 2022 after the biomedical ethics committee obtained the ethical approval at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), College of Medicine, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the sample size was 593 medical students in Makkah region.

RESULTS

 A total number of 593 medical students participated in this study, most of the medical students who participated (47.20%) had average GPA of 85%-95%. The largest number of medical students (45.30%) consume only one cup of caffeinated beverages per day. We reported no association between caffeinated beverages consumption and academic performance.

CONCLUSION

 Our study demonstrates that caffeinated beverages are a popular practice among medical college students. Majority of the medical students in Makkah region consume coffee as the most popular drink, while energy drinks are considered to be the least consumed drink, but energy drinks are easily affordable and available. Therefore, primary prevention of excessive consumption of caffeine is essential.

Energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan - prevalence, attitudes, and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Background

Energy drinks (ED) are popular beverages that contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other supplements, such as vitamins, which are marketed to enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Studies have shown that energy drink consumption is prevalent among medical students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, attitudes, and factors associated with energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from six public universities in Jordan. A total of 307 students were included in the study, and data were collected using an expert-validated questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

The study found that 50% of the sample had consumed ED, half of them started consuming them at the age of 16-18, and learned about them from friends. The primary reasons for consuming ED were to stay awake at night and the majority of them increase their consumption during exams to increase alertness. Regular energy drink consumption was significantly associated with being a student at the university located in the south governorate of Jordan (P=0.021), living alone (P=0.000), drinking alcohol (P=0.049), drinking coffee daily (P=0.043), and consuming more than 10 cans of soft drinks weekly (P=0.001). However, sex, age, academic achievement, and smoking status had no significant association with regular energy drink consumption. Students with regular energy drink consumption experienced daytime sleepiness, decreased concentration, fatigue, and reduced performance more than students with no regular energy drink consumption.

Conclusion

The prevalence of energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan is high, with factors such as social influences, lifestyle behaviors, and academic pressure being significant contributors. This study highlights the need for interventions to promote healthy behaviors and raise awareness about the potential harms of ED among medical students.

Dietary and smoking habits during the exam period and their effect on the academic achievement among Syrian medical students

BACKGROUND

Dietary habits are crucial for maintaining overall health and have been shown to impact academic performance. However, little research has been conducted on the specific eating, drinking, and smoking habits during the exam period and their effect on academic performance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate dietary and smoking habits and their relationship with academic performance among medical students at Damascus University. Findings from this study can inform interventions to improve both dietary habits and academic performance.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the association between dietary habits during the exam period and academic performance among 608 medical students. Data were collected using a self-administered paper-based questionnaire that was randomly distributed across multiple classes. The statistical analysis employed Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression to examine the relationship between the different amounts of diet behaviour during the exams and the reported average students' grades from the last two semesters. The regression model was adjusted for age, sex, residency type, and residency partners.

RESULTS

In both Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression analyses, we observed consistent negative associations between specific dietary habits and self-reported average grades. These included daily consumption of tea (B = -0.334, p = 0.022), instant coffee (B = -0.682, p = 0.001), and weekly fast food consumption (B = -0.583, p = 0.038). Notably, traditional coffee was found to be significant in the Spearman analysis but did not exhibit significance in the regression analysis. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed a negative association between water pipe consumption and academic performance (B = -0.700, p = 0.049). No significant association was observed between other dietary habits, cigarette smoking, and academic performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a negative, but weak, association between academic achievement and specific dietary habits during the exam period. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships. Additionally, the study suggests exploring the impact of other habits such as study and sleeping habits, which may have a more significant impact on academic achievement.

Poor sleep is associated with energy drinks consumption among Korean adolescents

OBJECTIVE

A growing number of Korean adolescents consume energy drinks, which may increase the risk of obesity, anxiety and insomnia. We examined whether poor sleep was associated with energy drink consumption among study participants.

DESIGN

We used a cross-sectional design.

SETTING

The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey data from 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

To determine the association between sleep and energy drink consumption, we compared the independent variables for 50,455 adolescents in Korea (aged 14-19 years) using multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

In Korea, 69·5 % adolescents consumed energy drinks, 17·1 % slept for less than 5 h, 22·4 % slept for 5-6 h, 23·8 % slept for 6-7 h, 19·9 % slept for 7-8 h and 16·7 % slept for 8 h or more. Regarding sleep satisfaction, 21·0 % reported sufficient, 32·6 % reported just enough and 46·5 % reported insufficient. Regarding sleep duration, it was found that less than 5 h (OR, 2·36; 95 % CI (2·14, 2·60)) and lower sleep satisfaction (OR, 1·12; 95 % CI (1·03, 1·21)) were highly associated with energy drink consumption, with statistical significance at P < 0·05. Adolescents with lower sleep duration (adjusted OR (aOR), 6·37; 95 % CI (4·72, 8·61)) and a lack of sleep satisfaction (aOR, 1·44; 95 % CI (1·16, 1·78)) reported drinking a high amount of energy drinks, that is, at least once a day.

CONCLUSION

In addition to efforts to decrease the amount of energy drinks consumed, sleep hygiene education needs to be strengthened.

Caffeinated energy drink consumption among Emirati adolescents is associated with a cluster of poor physical and mental health, and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: a cross-sectional study

Background

Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks (CED) has escalated during the last few years, especially among schoolchildren, with evident adverse health sequelae in this critical age group.

Objective

This study examined the prevalence of CED consumption and its associations with sleep, physical and mental health, and dietary and lifestyle habits among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Method

A structured self-administered online questionnaire was developed and disseminated among schoolchildren aged 14-18 years, selected from schools of the seven emirates of the UAE.

Results

More than 4,500 (N= 4,648) responses received. A relatively low prevalence of CED consumption (20%) was found among schoolchildren in the UAE. However, those who reported CED consumption were more likely to report unhealthy dietary (skipping breakfast, frequent snacking, and eating fast foods, low fruit, and vegetable intake) and lifestyle behaviors (long screen time, poor sleep health), in addition to poor self-reported mental and physical health than non-users. CED consumption was significantly and variably associated with multiple sociodemographic factors such as students' nationality, parental companionship, sex, school type, education level (children's and parents'), daily allowance, academic performance, screen time, sleep quality parameters, self-reported physical and mental health, and parents' employment. Sources of knowledge about CED were social media (55%), friends/schoolmates (52%), and family members (52%). Students believed that CED constitute sugar (87%), caffeine (69%), artificial flavors (67%) sweeteners (54%), and stimulating components (43%). The majority (70%) of students reported that CED consumption increases the risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood sugar (65%), addiction (64%), high blood pressure (59%), and obesity (57%).

Conclusion

These results offer important insights for health professionals, child health specialists, policymakers, and parents in the UAE regarding adolescents' attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward CED consumption.

Chronotype in college science students is associated with behavioral choices and can fluctuate across a semester

Many students self-report that they are "night owls," which can result from neurodevelopmental delays in the circadian timing system. However, whether an individual considers themselves to be an evening-type versus a morning-type (self-reported chronotype) may also be influenced by academic demands (e.g. class start times, course load) and behavioral habits (e.g. bedtime social media use, late caffeine consumption, daytime napping). If so, then chronotype should be malleable. We surveyed 858 undergraduate students enrolled in demanding science courses at up to three time points. The survey assessed morning/evening chronotype, global sleep quality, academics, and behavioral habits. Evening and morning-type students showed similar demographics, stress levels, and academic demands. At baseline measurements, relative to morning-types, evening-types showed significantly worse sleep quality and duration as well as 22% greater bedtime social media usage, 27% greater daytime napping duration, and 46% greater likelihood of consuming caffeine after 5pm. These behavioral habits partially mediated the effects of self-reported chronotype on sleep quality/duration, even after controlling for demographic factors. Interestingly, 54 students reported switching from being at least moderate evening-types at baseline to being at least moderate morning-types later in the semester and 56 students showed the reverse pattern (6.3% of students switched from "definitely" one chronotype to the other chronotype). Evening-to-morning "chrono-switchers" consumed less caffeine after 5pm and showed significantly better sleep quantity/quality at the later timepoint. Thus, some students may consider themselves to be night owls in part because they consume caffeine later, take more daytime naps, or use more social media at bedtime. Experimental work is needed to determine whether nudging night owls to behave like morning larks results in better sleep health or academic achievement.

Use of Caffeine-Containing Energy Drinks by Japanese Middle School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study of Related Factors

Excessive consumption of caffeine negatively affects individuals' health. Therefore, we studied the use of energy drinks and the conditions associated with it among Japanese secondary school students. Participants were 236 students in grades 7-9 who completed anonymous questionnaires at home in July 2018. We measured the basic attributes and dietary, sleeping, and exercise habits. We used Chi-squared tests to compare differences between users and non-users of energy drinks. Logistic regression analyses were used to elucidate the complex association between the variables. The results showed that boys were more willing to consume energy drinks than girls. The reasons were 'feeling fatigued', 'needing to stay awake', 'for curiosity', and 'to quench one's thirst'. Among boys, the following were associated with the use of EDs. Buying their own snacks , not understanding nutritional labels on foods, high caffeinated beverage intake, late bed-times on weekdays, always waking up at about the same time, and weight. Health guidance is needed to prevent overconsumption and dependence on energy drinks. The cooperation of parents and teachers is needed to achieve these goals.

Consumption patterns of energy drinks in university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Energy drink (ED) use is promoted to stimulate mental and/or physical activity, and their popularity has increased over the years, especially among young people. However, the use of EDs is often improper, and can induce adverse effects for human health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the literature to characterize the prevalence of ED consumption and motivations for use among undergraduate students. Furthermore, adverse effects and health-related behaviors associated with ED consumption were explored.

METHODS

This systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, and the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used for data research.

RESULTS

A total of 71 articles published between 2007 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The estimated overall prevalence of ED consumption was 42.9% in undergraduate students (95% confidence interval, 42.5%-43.3%), with significant heterogeneity among studies (Q test: P < 0.001; I² = 99.4%). The main reasons for use were engagement in study, projects or examinations, stay awake or alert, and physical activity/sport engagement. Sleep disturbance and increased heart rate or blood pressure were the most commonly reported adverse effects. ED consumption was frequently associated with alcohol use and smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the inappropriate use of EDs and related unhealthy behaviors should be identified early, and addressed through effective educational interventions.<END ABSTRACT>.

Factors and perceptions associated with energy drink consumption among undergraduate students attending a rural university: a descriptive study

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and knowledge of Energy Drink (ED) consumption among undergraduate students. Participants: Participants included students (n = 373) attending a medium-sized rural university in Texas. Methods: Students were surveyed anonymously using convenience sampling and a cross-sectional design with 15 items structured questionnaire. Results: Nearly 90% of the study participants (N = 373) were between 18-24 years. Among the consumers (n = 165), the majority were females (80%) and Caucasian (73%). About 60% of them lived on campus, 22% were engaged in some type of sports activity, and primarily represented the freshmen (42%) and sophomore (25%) population. Having apriori knowledge of the negative health effects of EDs was associated with their consumption [OR: 0.40, CI: (0.22, 0.72)]. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need to establish programs and policies on campus to address ED consumption issues and create educational campaigns to inform the undergraduate population attending a rural university.

Energy drink expectancies among college students

ObjectiveSince the late '90 s, energy drink consumption has increased. The purpose of this investigation was to examine energy drink expectancies of college students. Participants: The university registrar randomly selected fifty university classes to be surveyed. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and energy drink expectancies. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to ascertain which expectancies explained energy drink consumption. Results: The expectancy factors of 1,246 participants accounted for 25.8% of the variance in past 30-day energy drink consumption. Energy enhancement, anxiety/negative physical effects, withdrawal, and appetite suppression were each found to be significantly related to energy drink consumption. Conclusions: Energy enhancement and anxiety/negative effects were the strongest predictors of energy drink consumption among college students. The results from this study can be used to design interventions to challenge erroneous expectancies and reinforce others that promote moderation or abstinence.

Adolescent Energy Drink Consumption and Academic Risk: Results From the Monitoring the Future Study, 2010-2016

AIMS

The current study aims to examine the role of energy drink and energy shot consumption in school disengagement, low academic performance, and academic expectations, and investigates the robustness of these associations across sex, grade, race, and substance use history.

METHOD

This study employs a pooled cross-sectional design and uses a nationally representative sample of 8th (ages 13-14 years) and 10th (ages 15-16 years) grade adolescents from seven recent cohorts (2010-2016) of the Monitoring the Future study. Logistic regression and negative binomial regression were employed to examine the association between energy drink and energy shot consumption and academic risk factors, controlling for sociodemographic factors and other health and social behaviors. Ancillary robustness checks across key subgroups in the data were also performed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that energy drink and energy shot consumers are significantly more likely to report all academic risk outcomes. Specifically, youth who heavily use energy drinks and shots have significantly higher odds of each of the academic risk outcomes relative to both less habitual users and nonusers. These patterns hold across subgroups, despite associations being somewhat stronger among females, younger participants, Whites, and youth with no substance use history.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that energy drink consumption (particularly heavy consumption) may be an early warning sign of academic risk. It may be beneficial to limit adolescent energy drink consumption, provide early intervention for heavy adolescent consumers, and raise awareness of the dangers associated with their use.

The Relationship Between Energy Drink Consumption, Caffeine Content, and Nutritional Knowledge Among College Students

We sought to determine which demographic characteristics influence energy drink consumption habits and to examine whether caffeine content and knowledge of human nutrition affect college students' decisions to consume these beverages. We used an online survey to ask 265 college students, who did not participate in a varsity sport, to complete a survey consisting of demographic questions, the General Knowledge Questionnaire for adults, and questions about energy drink consumption habits. We found, overall, that 23.1% of our sample used energy drinks. When compared to non-consumers (76.9%), users had a significantly lower GPA, were older, and preferred drinks with a higher caffeine content. Users reported that they consumed these drinks because they wanted to feel more alert and they enjoyed the taste, even though they reported adverse effects such as trouble sleeping, shaking and tremors, and stomachaches. Knowledge of human nutrition did not affect users' choice to consume these drinks. Although the majority of college students do not consume energy drinks, room for improvement remains to curb the use of these caffeinated beverages amongst college students.

Student health behavior and academic performance

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between health behaviors and habits of university students and academic achievement.

PARTICIPANTS

Six hundred fourteen undergraduate students at a state university in the United States.

METHODS

Students were invited over a 2-year period to participate in an anonymous online survey that asked questions concerning a wide range of health behaviors and habits; participants were asked to report their current grade point average (GPA). Standard Least Squares Models were used to examine differences in self-reported GPA across the different health behaviors and habits, with individuals as replicates.

RESULTS

The study found positive associations between breakfast consumption, physical activity, and strength training and self-reported GPA, and negative associations between the hours of sleep per night, hours worked per week, fast food and energy drinks consumption, and use of marijuana, alcohol and electronic vaping products.

CONCLUSIONS

While there is an association for some of the studied health behaviors and habits with self-reported GPA, the effect sizes for these health behaviors were low. The significant effect of vaping on GPA as well as the increased use reported in this study indicates that the topic should be explored further. Furthermore, students should be educated on the potential positive and negative effects of health behavior choices to help them make better choices.

Caffeine Intake and Mental Health in College Students

Background The effect of caffeine on the human body, both short-term and long-term, has been studied in great depth, particularly its association with psychiatric disorders. This study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between caffeine intake and anxiety and depression among college students. Methodology A survey was administered to college students at Florida State University. Data regarding participant characteristics and caffeine intake were collected. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Results A total of 114 participants were included in the survey, consisting mainly of women (94 [82.5%]) and junior-level students (37 [32.5%]). The main source of caffeine was coffee (64.0%), and the main reasons for caffeine intake were pleasure (43.9%) and to study outside of class (29.8%); however, no association was found between sex or grade point average and number of cups of caffeine consumed. Upper levels of education (super senior or fifth-year students), depressive symptoms (poor appetite, overeating, sleep disorders, depressed mood), and anxiety were statistically associated with greater caffeine intake (P < 0.05). Conclusions As caffeine is commonly consumed and our study showed that its intake was associated with depressive symptoms and higher levels of anxiety in college students, further studies are needed to determine a possible causality, so that measures may be taken to educate these students about alternative methods for increasing energy and alertness.

Knowledge and consumption of caffeinated products by university students in Beirut, Lebanon

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Caffeine consumption is well studied among children and adults on a national level. Literature about university student comprehensive consumption, in particular, is scarce. This study aims to measure university student caffeine consumption during weekdays, weekends and exam days.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using the online Lime Survey tool was sent to a random sample of 2154 students at the American University of Beirut. The survey included a self-report questionnaire that asked participants to quantify servings of various products consumed on a typical day using the visual presentation of available serving sizes of common brand names present in the market.

RESULTS

A total of 146 students replied to the survey, yielding a response rate of 6.8%. The mean total consumption of caffeine was 373.1 ± 286.6 mg during weekdays, 326.7 ± 305.3 mg on weekends and 473.6 ± 444.0 mg during exams. Consumption beyond the approved level of 400 mg/day was found among 34.9%, 28.8% and 46.6% of participants during weekdays, weekends and exams, respectively. Products other than coffee and energy drinks contributed to at least 61% of daily caffeine consumption. Total caffeine consumption was associated with smoking, alcohol drinking, and general stress level.

CONCLUSION

University students consume high levels of caffeine from products other than coffee and energy drinks. During exams, the total daily consumption of caffeine is alarmingly above the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved daily intake. Targeted programs and awareness campaigns are needed on campus.

Sleep Predicts Collegiate Academic Performance: Implications for Equity in Student Retention and Success

College students show high levels of insufficient sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep schedule irregularity, poor sleep quality, and inadequate sleep hygiene. This article describes the evidence linking poor sleep with impaired academic performance; discusses mediating environmental, behavioral, and demographic factors that correlate with sleep; and highlights examples of successful health promotion initiatives on college campuses. Given that students who are traditionally minoritized on college campuses tend to have worse sleep, improving sleep health emerges as an important issue for retention, equity, and inclusion.

Dietary Habits of Students Enrolled in Faculties of Health Sciences: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction It is often presumed that students of health sciences are more vigilant about their diet. This study assessed the prevalence of unhealthy dietary habits and identified its associated factors among students enrolled at a large university for health sciences in the Middle East. Methods A cross-sectional study, using a set of pre-validated and anonymous dietary tools, was conducted in 2018. The self-reported students' characteristics and prevalence of 10 unhealthy dietary habits were collected. Results Males were significantly more likely have irregular meal times (β = 0.425, adjusted [adj.] odds ratio [OR] = 1.5) and insufficient seafood consumption (β = 0.55, adj. OR = 1.7) compared to females, adj. P = 0.046 and adj. P = 0.012, respectively. Students in their third year and above (β = 0.857, adj. OR = 2.2) reported more insufficient water intake compared to students in the first and second years, adjusted P = 0.003. Obesity in students was a significant associated factor with fast food consumption (β = 0.48, adj. OR = 1.8), night-eating habits (β = 0.27, adj. OR = 1.3) and skipping meals (β = 0.41, adj. OR = 1.5) compared to normal weight students, adjusted P = 0.002, adj. P = 0.004, and adj. P = 0.003, respectively. Conclusions Compliance with healthy dietary habits among students was less than optimal. Special consideration should be paid to gender and obesity that have been associated with insufficient water intake, irregular meal times, skipping meals, night-eating habits, and fast food consumption.

Exposure to tobacco and nicotine product advertising: Associations with perceived prevalence of use among college students

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exposure to tobacco marketing and perceptions of peer tobacco use among college students.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 5,767 undergraduate students from 19 colleges/universities in the State of Texas.

METHODS

Students completed an online survey, in the spring of 2016, that assessed past 30 day exposure to e-cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, and traditional cigarette advertising across multiple marketing channels, past 30 day use of each product, and perceived prevalence of peer use. Multi-level linear regression models were run to examine the associations between exposure to tobacco advertising and perceptions of peer tobacco use controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, use and school.

RESULTS

Greater exposure to advertising was associated with greater perceived prevalence of peer use.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the normative effects of advertising on perceived peer tobacco use, college tobacco initiatives should include descriptive norms education to counteract inaccurate perceptions.

Energy drinks, caffeine, junk food, breakfast, depression and academic attainment of secondary school students

BACKGROUND

Energy drinks are widely consumed, and concerns have been raised about possible negative outcomes.

AIMS

The aim of the present research was to examine associations between consumption of energy drinks, caffeine and junk food, and academic attainment in a sample of UK secondary school students.

METHODS

A total of 3071 students agreed to participate in the study; 2677 completed the survey on one occasion (52.4% female, 47.6% male; approximately 20% of the sample from each school year) and 1660 (49.6% female, 50.4% male) completed the survey a second time, approximately six months later. The academic attainment measure was based on Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 grades for Maths and English.

RESULTS

In the cross-sectional analyses, logistic regressions showed that consumption of energy drinks was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the low academic achievement group. This was not found for other sources of caffeine. The effect of energy drinks was still significant when demographic, academic and health/lifestyle variables were covaried. However, inclusion of an unhealthy diet variable (junk food) removed the significant effect of energy drinks. Similar observations were made in the longitudinal study, with the poorer attainment of those who consumed energy drinks reflecting breakfast omission and depression.

DISCUSSION

The present findings indicate that consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increased likelihood of poor academic attainment that reflects energy drink consumption being part of an unhealthy diet or being associated with skipping breakfast rather than a more specific effect, such as being a source of caffeine. Although the current study extends previous research by utilising a longitudinal design, intervention studies are now required to better answer questions relating to causality and direction of effect.

Do Energy Drink Consumers Study More?

The use and motivations for use of energy drinks (EDs) in college students has been documented in the literature. Many college students identify academic reasons, such as a need to study more, as a motivation for ED use. However, research has not determined if users who claim academic motivations actually study more than those who claim other motivations. A sample of 692 undergraduate students at a large, private university completed a paper survey that inquired about demographics, ED use, motivations for ED use, sleep quality, and average amount of time spent sleeping and studying per week. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographics, and analysis of variance was used to compare ED users with different motivations to amount of time spent sleeping and studying per week. Regression analysis was also used to determine if ED use could be predicted by any of the other variables. Increased ED consumption was predicted by being male (B = -0.394, p < .001) and having a decreased sleep quality (B = 0.586, p < .001). Reported study hours by subjects who claimed academic reasons as motivation for ED use were not significantly different in comparison to ED users who claimed other motivations. In our sample, ED users who reported academic reasons as motivations for use did not report significantly more study hours per week when compared to those who claimed other motivations. This demonstrates a disconnect between reported motivations for energy drink use and outcomes that are expected to be associated with those motivations.

Relationship Between Energy Drink Consumption and Nutrition Knowledge in Student-Athletes

OBJECTIVE

To identify the relationships between energy drink consumption, nutrition knowledge, and socio-demographic characteristics in a convenience sample of student-athletes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Online survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 194 student-athletes (112 female and 82 male).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of human nutrition, energy drink consumption habits.

ANALYSIS

Chi-square tests of independence, independent t tests, and hierarchical regression analyses were applied.

RESULTS

Most student-athletes in the sample (85.5%) did not consume energy drinks, but those who did tended to be male (P = .004), had lower overall knowledge of nutrition (P = .02), and had a lower grade point average (P < .001) than did nonusers. Also, energy drink consumption was associated with the overall nutrition knowledge score when adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, with nonusers having greater nutrition knowledge (P = .007) than users.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Student-athletes tend to refrain from energy drink use but those who use it have a tendency to have lower nutrition knowledge than do nonusers. Therefore, nutrition education targeted toward student-athletes should encompass the consumption of energy drinks because limited evidence shows the benefits of collegiate athletes consuming energy drinks.