Department of Health and Nutrition, Allied Relief, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Department of Dietetics, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
PLoS One. 2024 Apr 26;19(4):e0289391. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289391. eCollection 2024.
Energy drinks (EDs) have become a popular choice for young people seeking physical and cognitive boosts, with ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins aimed at improving academic, athletic, and alertness levels. However, the popularity of these drinks is also driven by low prices, taste, brand loyalty, and gendered marketing, with boys being more likely to consume them. Despite the supposed benefits, EDs have been associated with high-risk behaviours, deaths, and adverse health effects, especially those related to cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the use of EDs is on the rise. Hence, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and consumption patterns, perceptions, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. The study was cross-sectional, consisting of 541 participants. The group consisted of 340 males and 201 females, between the ages of 15 and 45. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on the respondents' consumption patterns and perceptions of EDs, as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the study indicated that a large percentage of the respondents, 98.7%, had consumed EDs before, while 78.7% currently consume them. Respondents believed that EDs provided additional energy (81.00%) and reduced stress (62.30%). However, they also perceived side effects such as insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Also, the highest proportion of respondents (83.4%) had poor knowledge of EDs. They were unaware of the classification of EDs and their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Age, marital status, level of education, work intensity, EDs served at gatherings, and knowledge of EDs was significantly associated with ED consumption (p < .05). Consumption was higher among those aged 26 to 35 years, singles, individuals with no formal education, and those with high work intensity. The high consumption was also associated with low knowledge levels. It is recommended that public health and nutrition professionals engage in further advocacy efforts to improve the youth's knowledge and perception of EDs in a positive manner. In addition, lawmakers should use legislation to influence consumption rates and safeguard the health of consumers.
能量饮料（EDs）已成为年轻人寻求身体和认知提升的热门选择，其成分如咖啡因、牛磺酸和 B 族维生素旨在提高学术、运动和警觉水平。然而，这些饮料的流行也受到低价格、口味、品牌忠诚度和性别营销的驱动，男孩更有可能消费它们。尽管有这些所谓的好处，但 EDs 与高风险行为、死亡和不良健康影响有关，尤其是与心血管风险有关的影响。与此同时，在加纳，EDs 的使用正在上升。因此，本研究旨在检查塔马利都会区青年中 ED 消费的流行率和消费模式、看法以及相关因素。这项研究是横断面的，包括 541 名参与者。该组由 340 名男性和 201 名女性组成，年龄在 15 至 45 岁之间。使用问卷获取有关受访者消费模式和对 ED 的看法以及他们社会人口特征的数据。研究结果表明，很大一部分受访者（98.7%）之前曾消费过 EDs，而目前有 78.7%的人仍在消费。受访者认为 EDs 提供额外的能量（81.00%）并减轻压力（62.30%）。然而，他们也认为有副作用，如失眠（60.60%）和不安（51.40%）。此外，最高比例的受访者（83.4%）对 EDs 的知识很差。他们不知道 EDs 的分类及其成分、副作用和益处。年龄、婚姻状况、教育程度、工作强度、聚会上提供的 EDs 和对 EDs 的了解与 EDs 消费显著相关（p<0.05）。26 至 35 岁的人、单身人士、没有正规教育的人以及工作强度高的人消费更高。高消费也与低知识水平有关。建议公共卫生和营养专业人员进一步开展宣传工作，以积极方式提高年轻人对 EDs 的知识和看法。此外，立法者应利用立法来影响消费率并保护消费者的健康。
