Maysaa Khalil1, Jumana Antoun2. 1. Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon. 2. Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: ja46@aub.edu.lb.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Caffeine consumption is well studied among children and adults on a national level. Literature about university student comprehensive consumption, in particular, is scarce. This study aims to measure university student caffeine consumption during weekdays, weekends and exam days. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using the online Lime Survey tool was sent to a random sample of 2154 students at the American University of Beirut. The survey included a self-report questionnaire that asked participants to quantify servings of various products consumed on a typical day using the visual presentation of available serving sizes of common brand names present in the market. RESULTS: A total of 146 students replied to the survey, yielding a response rate of 6.8%. The mean total consumption of caffeine was 373.1 ± 286.6 mg during weekdays, 326.7 ± 305.3 mg on weekends and 473.6 ± 444.0 mg during exams. Consumption beyond the approved level of 400 mg/day was found among 34.9%, 28.8% and 46.6% of participants during weekdays, weekends and exams, respectively. Products other than coffee and energy drinks contributed to at least 61% of daily caffeine consumption. Total caffeine consumption was associated with smoking, alcohol drinking, and general stress level. CONCLUSION: University students consume high levels of caffeine from products other than coffee and energy drinks. During exams, the total daily consumption of caffeine is alarmingly above the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved daily intake. Targeted programs and awareness campaigns are needed on campus.
BACKGROUND & AIMS:Caffeine consumption is well studied among children and adults on a national level. Literature about university student comprehensive consumption, in particular, is scarce. This study aims to measure university student caffeine consumption during weekdays, weekends and exam days. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using the online Lime Survey tool was sent to a random sample of 2154 students at the American University of Beirut. The survey included a self-report questionnaire that asked participants to quantify servings of various products consumed on a typical day using the visual presentation of available serving sizes of common brand names present in the market. RESULTS: A total of 146 students replied to the survey, yielding a response rate of 6.8%. The mean total consumption of caffeine was 373.1 ± 286.6 mg during weekdays, 326.7 ± 305.3 mg on weekends and 473.6 ± 444.0 mg during exams. Consumption beyond the approved level of 400 mg/day was found among 34.9%, 28.8% and 46.6% of participants during weekdays, weekends and exams, respectively. Products other than coffee and energy drinks contributed to at least 61% of daily caffeine consumption. Total caffeine consumption was associated with smoking, alcohol drinking, and general stress level. CONCLUSION: University students consume high levels of caffeine from products other than coffee and energy drinks. During exams, the total daily consumption of caffeine is alarmingly above the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved daily intake. Targeted programs and awareness campaigns are needed on campus.
Authors: Zelal Kharaba; Nour Sammani; Samar Ashour; Rose Ghemrawi; Ahmad Z Al Meslamani; Ahmad Al-Azayzih; Manal Ali Buabeid; Yassen Alfoteih Journal: J Nutr Metab Date: 2022-05-18