Energy Drinks Consumption among Iranian University Students and Associated Factors

Background: There is no study in Iran about the energy drinks (EDs)use by students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate theprevalence of EDs consumption and its related factors among thestudents.Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out among students ofShahroud university of medical sciences. Using a standardized,pretested and self-administered questionnaire, the data were collected.The questionnaire consisted of ۶۵ questions that asked the students'sociodemographic characteristics and their knowledge and habits ofED consumptions.Results: Of all participants ۶۶.۳% were female, ۶۳.۱% of students livein dormitories and ۶.۹% and ۱۹.۹% of them live with friends andparents, respectively. Almost ۱۱.۵ percent of students are user ofenergy drinks. The most common reason to try an ED was ‘‘its specialtastes’’ (۳۶.۲%), followed in order of frequency by ‘‘to stay awake forlong hours’’. Logistic regression modeling of EDs use indicated that,male gender, students who live alone and higher monthly costs forpersonal requirements were also positively and significantly associatedwith EDs use.Conclusions: Despite the low prevalence of EDs consumption in ourstudy samples, male students, living alone and higher monthly costs forpersonal requirements are factors associated with more EDsconsumption.

Keywords:

Energy drink , Youths , University students , Iran