Energy Drinks Consumption, Knowledge and Self-Reported Effect among University Students in Jordan: Cross-sectional Study

Background: Consumption of energy drinks (EDs) has increased exponentially among younger generations, and this increase is projected to continue. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the prevalence, knowledge level, intake patterns, and consumer experience of consuming EDs among university students in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 467 students from 29 universities was conducted by a webbased questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were performed, with a p-value of ≤0.05 indicating significance. Results: The prevalence of EDs was 40.1% among university students. Over half (62.7%) of students had poor knowledge of EDs. The most significant determinants identified were male (OR=2.18; 95%CI: 1.14-4.15), undergraduate (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.70-9.72), in a nonmedical discipline (OR=2.92; 95% CI: 1.56-5.44), smoker (OR=9.91;95%Cl: 5.30-18.54) and having a poor knowledge level (OR=40.46;95%CI: 14.33-114.27). Students mainly consumed Red Bull, and the majority consumed 1-2 can(s) daily. Students were more likely to consume EDs during exams to mainly stay awake. The major side effects experienced by this sample were increased urination and headache. No changes in mental or physical performance, weight, appetite, and sleeping pattern were observed among the majority of respondents. Conclusion: Consumption of EDs was moderate among university students. Gender, study course, study year, smoking, and knowledge level were determinants of their intake.