Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of caffeine consumption and associated caffeine with drawal symptoms among medical and health science students. In addition, to assess associations of caffeine consumption and related symptoms with demographic, lifestyle, and behavioral factors.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 408 medical and health science students. Data included sociodemographic profile, lifestyle habits, anthropometric parameters, caffeinated drink consumption, and symptoms of withdrawal.
Results: Caffeine usage was reported by 86.5%, and withdrawal was reported by 69.9% of the participants. Caffeine usage was more common in exercising individuals (94.0% vs. 76.6%, p < 0.001) and in individuals consuming an energy drink (91.2% vs. 80.0%, p-value = 0.001). Similarly, withdrawal was more common in individuals consuming an energy drink (82.4% vs. 65.4%, p-value = 0.001) and differed in exercising individuals (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was seen in terms of gender and body mass index.
Conclusion: The prevalence of caffeine intake was high among medical and health science students and was also associated with symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. This indicated possible dependence on caffeine. Exercise status and energy drinks were important correlates of caffeine intake and caffeine withdrawal. Education is recommended as a strategy to promote healthy caffeine use and awareness of caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

Key words: Coffee, energy drinks, medical students, withdrawal symptoms, body mass index, dependence