Assessment of caffeine consumption behavior among Jazan University students in the south of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. High consumption levels of caffeine can lead to intoxication and serious side effects. Saudi Arabia is witnessing a rise in the commercialization and consumption of caffeine. Young adults such as university students may exhibit high levels of caffeine consumption. This investigation aims to assess caffeine consumption habits among a sample of Jazan University students in the south of Saudi Arabia. This study was a cross-sectional investigation that utilized multistage sampling to recruit the students. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire that measured student demographics, their frequency of consuming caffeine-containing food, portion sizes, and patterns of consumption during different times of the day. Caffeine consumption levels were estimated based on a cutoff point of 400 mg per day. A chi-squared test was used to investigate the association between levels of caffeine consumption and measured study characteristics. A sample of 964 students was recruited with a mean age of 21.8 years. The most frequently consumed product among the recruited students was coffee (32%), followed by chocolate bars (16%) and soft drinks (12%). The median total consumed caffeine amount was 185 mg per day. 194 (20%) students of the sample exceeded the recommended level of daily caffeine consumption (>400 mg/day). Among the measured demographics, only the year of study was associated with caffeine consumption ( P value of .003), suggesting that students in their earlier years of university are likely to exceed the recommended daily consumption of caffeine in comparison with those who are in their later years of study. Our investigation identified high levels of caffeine consumption among some students. The findings imply the need to enhance the awareness of students who exceed the recommended daily intake of caffeine regarding the harmful impacts of caffeine toxicity.

The Use of Caffeine Products in Saudi Arabia

“…However, there are still concerns about the elevated levels of caffeine consumption among the youth in Saudi Arabia, despite these measures. [16]…”

“…The data also revealed that the year of study was the only demographic variable that had a statistically significant association with caffeine consumption (p value of 0.003). [16] This implies that students who are in their first few years of college or university are more likely to consume more caffeine than the recommended daily limit, as they face the stress of adjusting to a new environment and learning style. In contrast, students in their later years of study may be more accustomed to the academic demands and less likely to exceed the recommended caffeine intake.…”

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

“…Coffee and tea are the most popular natural caffeinated beverages. Additionally, soft drinks such as cola and energy drinks are also considered stimulant products [2]. Energy drinks typically contain higher concentrations of amino acids and herbals than those naturally found in food and plants.…”

“…People use caffeinated drinks for a variety of reasons. One reason is to enhance mental alertness by improving brain function, wakefulness, and productivity [2]. Energy drinks are commonly used by tired individuals to help them stay focused, but this may lead to a decrease in sleep quality [4].…”

The Mediated Impact of Health Care Insurance Inclusion Between Hospital Management and Operation Efficiency in Saudi Arabia

“…al. 2023, Alfaifi, 2023, Aldogiher, 2023. The focal issue pertains to comprehending the degree to which the incorporation of health care insurance functions as a mediator, impacting the relationship between hospital management techniques and results related to operational efficiency (Alshahrani, 2023).…”