Energy drink: the consumption prevalence, and awareness of its potential health implications among commercial drivers in the Ho municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Consumption of energy drinks has become an escalating global public health problem. The work schedule and irregular sleeping habits of commercial bus drivers make them highly susceptible to getting fatigued, hence most of them consume energy drinks as a fatigue management strategy. However, consumption of energy drinks produces numerous psychomotor side effects that if consumed among drivers puts the traveling public in danger of road accidents. This study sought to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and awareness of associated potential health problems among commercial long-distance bus drivers operating from the Ho municipality. Methods: The study population comprised about 266 commercial bus drivers. This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 participants who completed a structured questionnaire on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of consumption and reasons for consumption. It also included questions to assess the knowledge of the ingredients and side effects of energy drinks. Respondents were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test of association were used to analyse the data. Results: A majority (62.1%) of the drivers had more than 10 years of commercial driving experience. A 75% energy drink consumption prevalence was recorded with driving performance enhancement (78.8%) as the predominant reason for consumption. 7-10 bottles per week were consumed by most (32.2%) of the drivers. Also, 72.0% had poor knowledge of the side effects linked with energy drink consumption as well as the ingredients for preparation. Conclusion: Energy drinks were consumed by the majority of the drivers at the Ho main bus terminal of which most of the drivers had poor knowledge of the potential health problems linked with the consumption of these drinks. The consumption of energy drinks was observed to be higher among the drivers with lower education levels, higher monthly income and those who worked long hours in a day. The Ghana National Road Safety Commission (GNRC) in collaboration with other private road transport unions in Ghana should organize regular seminars for commercial bus drivers on the potential dangers and effects associated with energy drink consumption.

Knowledge, Consumption Pattern, and Adverse Effects of Energy Drinks among Asian Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Malaysia

“…Through our data, we found that most of our respondents that perceived EDs could improve their physical, mental, and academic performance. Consistent with a study by Saku et al, it is reported that the intake of EDs among bus drivers was to enhance driving performance [ 45 ]. It was also reported that EDs use would have a significant impact on athletic performance [ 46 ].…”

Perceived Benefits and Awareness of the Adverse Effects of Energy Drinks Among Consumers in Ayawaso North and Ayawaso East

“…Aslam, et al, (2013) also revealed that despite the level of knowledge about the health effects of energy drinks among medical students, the rate of consumption among them is very high. The nding in this study is however in contrast with what was revealed by Saku, et al, (2020) who put forth that, even though consumers of energy drinks demonstrated that they had poor knowledge of the adverse health effects of energy drinks, there was a very high rate of consumption among the population with majority consuming between 7 -10 bottles every week.…”

“…According to Buxton and Hagan (2012), young adults and college athletes have become the primary targets of energy drinks promotions by major energy drinks companies globally. Even though energy drinks consumption is increasing with some consumers consuming up to about 7-10 bottles every week, there is a preponderant poor knowledge about the adverse health implications of energy drinks as well as poor knowledge about the constituent ingredient in them (Saku, et al, 2020). Acclaimed reasons for consuming energy drinks have included to ward off tiredness, to remain alert, as a recreational drink and to demonstrate belongingness to a particular group (Nti, et al, 2022;Frayon, et al, 2017;Buxton & Hagan, 2012;Saku, et al, 2020).…”

Effects of Energy Drink Types on Male and Female Drivers in an Effort to Reduce Drowsiness While Driving

“…The higher caffeine content and mixture of other ingredients encourage drivers to use energy drinks as stimulants. Studies conducted by Saku et al (2020) found that 75% of 132 drivers used energy drinks, and 78% of those drivers used them to improve driveability.…”