Prevalence, side effects, and awareness about energy drink consumption among college students at a Saudi public university

A BSTRACT Background: Energy drink (ED) consumption is increasingly common among university students, particularly those facing academic pressures. This study assesses the prevalence of ED consumption, motivations, and adverse effects among undergraduate students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 837 IMSIU students recruited through an online survey distributed via the university’s official email. A questionnaire, translated into Arabic and pretested for clarity, gathered data on demographics, frequency of ED consumption, motivations, and awareness of ED-related side effects. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26, employing Chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors and ED consumption patterns. Results: ED consumption was prevalent among IMSIU students, with 74.4% of participants reporting some level of use. The most common reasons for ED consumption were increasing energy (35.5%) and staying awake for study (23.4%). The most frequently reported side effects included heart palpitations (24.5%) and stress or anxiety (14.9%). Significant differences in consumption patterns were observed by gender, with males reporting higher usage rates than females. Conclusion: Despite awareness of associated health risks, the high prevalence of ED consumption among IMSIU students highlights a need for educational initiatives to inform students of safer alternatives for managing academic demands. Additionally, future research on the long-term health impacts and potential dependency risks of EDs among students is recommended.