Alarming High Levels of Energy Drinks Consumption among School Children in Hail, Northern of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one among the countries for top energy drink markets. Amid growing controversies globally surrounding the increasing usage of energy drinks by children, it is felt important to understand how these trends are reflected in KSA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the trends of energy drink consumption among, and differences between, middle and secondary school children, and the associated socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Randomly selected 1006 male children from secondary and middle schools from Hail region in KSA were included in the study, using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Results revealed that about 60% of school children were current energy drink consumers. Secondary school children were significantly (P<0.001) higher than middle schoolers in terms of both frequency and quantity. Concomitantly, unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors were reported in significantly higher proportions (P<0.001) among secondary school children. Home was the first place for exposure for majority of children while unreliable resources were the major sources of knowledge about energy drink composition and health effects. Poor knowledge concerning energy drink composition was reported. Taste and being energized were the major driving forces for energy drink consumption. Higher disposable income on hand and poor lifestyle behaviors were all significantly associated with energy drink consumption. It can be concluded that high proportion of energy drink consumption was reported among school children in Hail, with higher proportions in secondary than middle schools. This matter raises the significance of mounting awareness of community concerning the ingredients and potential hazards of energy drinks.

Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a rapid review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes

“… 53 58 Furthermore, young people who consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks were more likely to feel and be perceived as more intoxicated, and to have greater odds of driving violations and accidents, after controlling for all other factors. 59 60 Consumption of energy drinks has been linked to sensation-seeking, 29 38 39 53 57 self-destructive behaviour, 39 problems with behavioural regulation and metacognitive skills, 61 and poor lifestyle behaviours, 49 including regularly eating junk food or fast food. 46 52 Al-Hazzaa et al 62 found that energy drink use was associated with increased sedentary behaviour and with higher levels of physical activity.…”

Consumption of energy drinks among adolescents in Norway: a cross-sectional study

“…In contrast, a study of Saudi adolescents found that those who performed over 60 min of physical activity daily were 1.4 times more likely to consume EDs at least 3 days per week [25]. However, in several studies from the US and Saudi Arabia, no association has been found between ED consumption and level of physical activity [23, 30, 31]. This variation in the results may reflect cultural differences; however, inconsistent findings may also be influenced by methodological differences between the studies, such as the number of participants and differing ways of assessing physical activity.…”

Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview

“…Only the SR of Al-Hazzaa, 2018 [26], segregated PA barriers and facilitators by gender and age groups (children, adolescents, and adults) among the Saudi population. [35] Consumption of foods high in fats/salt/sugar [35,36,74,75,78] Consumption of fruits [35,36,75] Consumption of vegetables [35,36] Consumption of milk [35,36] Transportation [74] Enhancing muscle and strength [55] Age [79] Being married [80] Less educated [81] Perceived Health [82] Increased BMI and Waist circumference [80] Presence of diseases or health condition [82] Lack of time [7,82] Excessive use of private cars [82] Lack of exercise partner [82] Bad weather/ Hot climate [73,82,83] Gender & cultural norms (values and practices) [84] Having more domestic workers than one needs [82] + Being married [84] UAE − Age [38,85,86] Being married [87] Less educated [86,87] Lack of motivation [63,88] Lack of will-power [88] Fear of injury [88] Exercise is boring [88] Embarras...…”