Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain.
Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain.
Nutrients. 2022 Apr 16;14(8):1661. doi: 10.3390/nu14081661.
Due to its stimulatory effects, caffeine is one of the most frequently consumed mood and behavior altering drugs. University students report using caffeine-containing products to enhance mood and performance or for a desire of alertness. The current study investigated caffeine consumption in university undergraduate students, and associations with smoking status, alcohol and cannabis consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and sleep quality. Motivations for caffeine intake were also ascertained. A total of 886 undergraduates aged 18−25 years from the University of the Balearic Islands participated in a cross-sectional survey. Caffeine was consumed by 91.1% of participants. Caffeine consumers were more likely to be female, smokers, and alcohol and cannabis consumers. Coffee was found to be the main source of caffeine intake in both men and women (48.9% of total caffeine intake). Higher percentages of women consumed coffee (56.4 vs. 42.1%, p = 0.01) and tea (40.3 vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001), whereas a higher percentage of men consumed energy drinks (18.0 vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001). Main motivations for caffeine intake were those related to cognitive enhancement. Caffeine intake was associated with poorer subjective sleep quality (p < 0.001). In conclusion, undergraduate students that were female and smokers reported higher caffeine intakes. Coffee was found as the main caffeine contributor, with higher contributions of tea in women and energy drinks in men. Universities should consider the implementation of health campaigns and educational programs to educate students of the risks of high caffeine consumption together with associated behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and poor sleep quality to physical health and academic performance.
由于其刺激作用，咖啡因是最常被消费的改变情绪和行为的药物之一。大学生报告说，他们使用含咖啡因的产品来改善情绪和表现，或追求警觉。本研究调查了大学生中咖啡因的消费情况，以及与吸烟状况、酒精和大麻消费、水果和蔬菜消费以及睡眠质量的关联。还确定了咖啡因摄入的动机。共有 886 名年龄在 18-25 岁的巴利阿里群岛大学本科生参与了横断面调查。91.1%的参与者摄入了咖啡因。咖啡因消费者更有可能是女性、吸烟者，以及酒精和大麻消费者。咖啡被发现是男性和女性摄入咖啡因的主要来源（占总咖啡因摄入量的 48.9%）。女性摄入咖啡（56.4%比 42.1%，p=0.01）和茶（40.3%比 19.8%，p<0.001）的比例较高，而男性摄入能量饮料（18.0%比 7.4%，p<0.001）的比例较高。咖啡因摄入的主要动机与认知增强有关。咖啡因摄入与较差的主观睡眠质量相关（p<0.001）。总之，女性和吸烟者的大学生报告咖啡因摄入量较高。咖啡被发现是咖啡因的主要来源，女性的茶摄入量较高，男性的能量饮料摄入量较高。大学应考虑实施健康运动和教育计划，向学生传授高咖啡因摄入的风险，以及与吸烟、饮酒和睡眠质量差等相关行为对身体健康和学业成绩的影响。
