Caffeine consumption patterns and determinants among adolescents in Serbia

Abstract

Background: The number of adolescents who use caffeine is constantly increasing. As juvenile age is vulnerable, it is reasonable to expect that they will differently perceive reason and react to caffeine use than adults, and be more prone to unwanted physiological and psychological consequences of its consumption. Aim: Analysis of the scope and pattern of caffeine consumption among adolescents in Serbia. Study design: The cross-sectional survey was implemented in the study population of 191 Serbian adolescents during 2010. Results: The median daily intake of caffeine was 95.6 mg. The major source of caffeine was brewed coffee, and the most common reasons for caffeine intake were leisure, peer influence, or habit. Only 57.6% of the subjects were aware that caffeine is present in consumed beverages. Sex affected the pattern, but not the overall level, of caffeine consumption. No association between caffeine consumption and smoking status, frequency of caffeine use in the family, or negative personal experience with caffeine effects was observed. Conclusion: Our investigation provides first and rather detailed insight into caffeine-containing beverage consumption scope and pattern among Serbian adolescents. For accurate estimation and analysis of caffeine intake in this population, randomized studies with prospective longitudinal design, caffeine content measurement, and more subjects involved are warranted.

The Effects of Caffeinated Beverage Consumption on the Sleep Habits and Lifestyle of Medical Students in Public and Private Medical Universities in Karachi, Pakistan

“…Moreover, a study conducted showed that students did consider caffeine had a major role in increasing their academic performances (13) . In contrast to our study, a study from Serbia revealed that the people were mostly consuming caffeine for the reason of leisure, peer pressure and as a habit (22) . A similar study concluded that the majority of the participants were aware of the health risks that followed caffeine usage especially effects on the heart (23) .…”

Caffeine Consumption and Academic Performance among Medical Students of Dow University of Health Science (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan

“…The same survey reported that caffeine is the most popular substance in the campus with an average of 1106.23-1698.02 mg per week, increasing with year in school 20 . However, in contrast our findings, a study from Serbia revealed that the common reasons for caffeine intake among adolescents were leisure, peer influence and habit 21 . In contrast to general perceptions scientific evidence from different research studies showed no such relationship.…”

Secondary School Students and Caffeine: Consumption Habits, Motivations, and Experiences

“…Coffee drinkers and energy drink users identified the energising effects (e.g., “to stay awake”, “for energy” and “to wake up”) as the main reason for consuming these beverages. This is consistent with previous findings from a Saudi Arabian study ( n = 1006) that adolescent boys ingested coffee “to stay awake” [ 35 ] and energy drinks to “boost energy” [ 35 ]. A qualitative Canadian study ( n = 166) found that energy provision was the main motivating factor regardless of whether they liked the taste of caffeinated beverages [ 15 ].…”

“…Tea was also consumed for the attributes of temperature as well as to relax, suggesting tea drinkers view their tea consumption as habitual rather than for the caffeine content. This is consistent with a Serbian study where adolescents identified their main reason for drinking tea “as a habit” [ 35 ].…”