EDs contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants. EDs consumption is increasing, particularly among young adults and athletes. Increasing knowledge about EDs and their possible risks could decrease their consumption by the general public.Įnergy drinks (EDs) are beverages that are used to boost energy, increase physical performance, increase alertness and wakefulness, and elevate mood. ConclusionsĮxcessive EDs consumption is associated with an increased risk of experiencing several adverse events, which is commensurate with published studies. The majority of consumers (84.6%) recommended that authorities should regulate EDs consumption. Lower knowledge scores were identified in daily consumers than in 1–3 times monthly consumers higher adverse events were experienced by daily consumers than by 1–3 times monthly consumers. Importantly, an inverse association was identified between knowledge of EDs and consumption rate, and a proportional association was identified between experienced adverse effects and consumption frequency. Study subjects reported suffering from adverse effects, including mainly diuresis (53.7%), palpitations (50.7%), insomnia (50.7%). EDs are consumed by subjects for their effects on fatigue reduction (64.6%), increased alertness and focus (75.8%), and assistance during long driving trips (75.7%). Consumers attributed the popularity of EDs to massive advertising media (46.7%) and their stimulating and invigorating effects (37.5%).
Of the 816 individuals invited to participate in the study, 783 participants responded and completed interviews, response rate was 96%.
Frequency, percentage, and arithmetic means were calculated using Chi-square and ANOVA tests, and data with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Sociodemographic characteristics and data on EDs consumption patterns, the level of awareness among study subjects, and the purported benefits and reported adverse effects of EDs were collected. The data were obtained and collected using interview questionnaires. MethodsĪn observational cross-sectional study with data from a randomly selected Saudi population was conducted during the period of January 15th, 2015, to April 15th, 2015, using a pre-tested 43-item questionnaire. The objective was to assess the knowledge and perceived beneficial effects of EDs consumers, to assess consumption patterns and determine the adverse effects experienced by different EDs consumer groups residing in Saudi Arabia. The number of reports of caffeine intoxication from caffeinated EDs and problems related to caffeine dependence and withdrawal is increasing. Caffeine containing energy drinks (EDs) are heavily consumed, particularly among young adults.
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