| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the study: to determine the prevalence of energy drinks consumption among Vilnius University students. The objectives of the study: to determine the frequency of energy drinks consumption among Vilnius University students; to assess the reasons for energy drinks consumption among Vilnius University students; to determine the adverse health effects of energy drinks among Vilnius University students; to assess the knowledge of Vilnius University students about the health effects of energy drinks; Methodology: the study was carried out in March and April 2024. The research method used was a quantitative questionnaire survey. The questionnaire consisted of 31 closed – ended multiple – choice questions. The collected data were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS software. Results: the study found that out of 459 respondents, more than 60 % of Vilnius University first – sixth year students consume energy drinks, including 62,8 % of women and 61,5 % of men. The remainig 37,5 % of students, 37,2 % of women and 38,5 % of men, do not consume energy drinks. Energy drinks are statistically significantly more consumed by students aged 18 – 19 (71 %) than by students aged 26 and older (37,9 %). When comparing courses, the highest consumption of energy drinks is among first – year students (72 %) and the lowest among fifth – year students (50 %). The results show that students of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (87,5 %) consume statistically significantly more energy drinks than students of the Faculty of Medicine (49,4 %). It is clear from the survey that both women (28,6 %) and men (39,3 %) are more likely to consume energy drinks 2 – 4 times a week (30,6 %). The most common energy drink consumed by students in a single sitting was found to be 0,33 litres (38,3 %). Energy drinks are most commonly consumed by students while studying and feeling tired, during parties, while driving, during physical work and during sports. The majority of students (44,9 %), including a higher proportion of females than males (48,5 % and 30,4 %), have noticed negative health effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, hand tremors and insomnia when drinking an energy drink. Statistically significantly more students studying at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences and statistically significantly more 5th year students than 3th year students would like to receive more information about energy drinks and they health effects. Findings: 62,5 % of first-sixth year students at Vilnius University consume energy drinks, including 62,8 % of women and 61,5 % of men. Energy drinks are consumed mainly by students aged 18 – 19 (71 %) and least by students aged 26 and more (37,9 %). Energy drinks are consumed most by first year students (72 %) and least by fifth year students (50 %). Both women (28,6 %) and men (39,3 %) are most likely to consume energy drinks 2 – 4 times a week (30,66 %). Energy drinks are consumed most by students at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (87,5 %) and least by students at the Faculty of Medicine (49,4 %). Energy drinks are most commonly consumed by Vilnius University students while studying and feeling tired, to a lesser extent during parties, while driving, during physical work, and when exercising. The majority of Vilnius University students notice negative health effects when consuming energy drinks. The most common adverse effects experienced after consuming energy drinks are increased heart rate, anxiety, hand tremors and insomnia. The majority of students are aware that energy drinks are harmful to their health and can cause adverse effects. Students are aware that frequent consumption of energy drinks can lead to addiction and potential overdose. Students understand that the vitamins in energy drinks do not supplement the human body and that energy drinks should not be consumed with alcohol. |
