Prevalence of Energy Drink Consumption and Associated Factors among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cuenca, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i2.888Keywords:
energy drinks; students, medical; young adult; caffeine, prevalence.Abstract
The consumption of energy drinks has increased worldwide, particularly among adolescents, young adults, and university students. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption and its associated factors among medical students at the University of Cuenca. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 299 medical students selected through stratified probability sampling. Data were collected using a digital questionnaire based on the instrument developed by Villacorta and Villanueva. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency tables and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using prevalence ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values (<0.05). The prevalence of energy drink consumption was 46.82%, with a mean age of 21 years. Among consumers, 51.4% reported consuming energy drinks at least once a week, and 19.3% did so four or more times per week. Approximately 65% of students consumed one can or fewer per week. The primary reason for consumption was to stay awake (47.14%), and 17.14% of consumers also combined energy drinks with alcohol. No statistically significant associations were found between energy drink intake and age, sex, place of residence, or academic year. The study identified a high prevalence of energy drink consumption among medical students, primarily to combat sleepiness, and a considerable proportion of consumers reported mixing energy drinks with alcohol.
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