| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY Key-words: energy drink, caffeine, taurine, children, overdosing, alcohol. The aim of the paper: Ascertain the prevalence of energy drinks consumption among the 5 – 10 th form pupils in Vilnius city and evaluate their knowledge about these drinks. Methods: A method of anonymous questionnaires was used, made up of 35 questions. 1837, 5-10 form pupils of 13 educational institutions in Vilnius city were questioned. For data analysis SPSS program version 17.0. was used. Qualitative coherence between variables is established by Chi-square (2) test, while small numbers (n less 5) by Fisher’s (F) exact test. Disparity of result between variables assessed statistically important, when p ≤ 0.05. Searching for statistical – correlative relationship between variables, for computation Spearman’s correlation coefficient. of statistical connection intensity and direction was used. The Mann Whitney U test of two independent samples of non-parametric comparison was used and for more than two independent samples – Kruskal Wallis test. Results: Ascertained, that energy drinks are used by 32.8 % schoolchildren, were using, but have not used during testing 34.4 % and 32.8 % of respondents had never used. Statistics show more significant consumption among boys than girls and more of 7-10 forms schoolchildren in comparison with 5-6 forms. The largest number of respondents used energy drinks once a week (22.6 %), 19.2% - once a month and 17.2 % - twice or four times a month. Large number of respondents did not use energy drinks that it is unhealthy (63.2%): statistically much greatly girls than boys and more 5-8 forms schoolchildren than 9, 10 th forms. Mostly energy drinks were used to slake thirst (37.4 %), when partying (35.7 %), being tired (24.0 %), sporting (13.6 %), studying (7.2 %), being physically active (5.8 %). The negative effect under consumption of energy drinks specified 33.3 % of respondents. It influenced on strong and frequent heart beat (14.2 %), bad sleep (11.0 %) and digestion troubles ( 6.5 %), unable to concentrate (6.6 %), shaking hands (4.6 %), nervousness and irritability (3.2 %). The biggest part of schoolchildren got the information about energy drinks from their parents (43.5 %), on internet (43.3 %). Conclusions: According to questionnaires one third of 5-10 th form schoolchildren use energy drinks, and had used before. The biggest number of schoolchildren used energy drinks to slake thirst, during parties, and the reason of not using that it‘s unhealthy. Despite the fact of getting information about energy drinks from their parents and internet, the big part of pupils are lack of such information. More information is expected by pupils to be given in lessons of healthy living, on internet and from qualified specialists and physicians. |
