| Abstract [eng] |
Caffeine-containing products are widely consumed among students, as they are often associated with maintaining alertness, reducing fatigue and improving concentration during studies. This topic is relevant in the student population due to academic workload, stress, examinations and possible sleep deprivation. Since caffeine may be obtained from several different sources, it is important to assess not only the general prevalence of caffeine consumption, but also the types of products consumed, motives for use, associations with sleep and stress-related factors, and students’ knowledge about the possible effects of caffeine on health. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the prevalence of caffeine-containing product use among Vilnius University students and the factors associated with their consumption. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire survey. The study included 100 Vilnius University students. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and the chi-square test. A difference was considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. The results showed that the consumption of caffeine-containing products was very common in the studied student group: 80% of respondents consumed such products daily, while 99% consumed them daily or several times per week. The most commonly consumed source of caffeine was coffee, reported by 94% of respondents. Tea, energy drinks and caffeinated soft drinks were also commonly consumed. The most frequent motives for caffeine consumption were the desire to stay alert and awake, reduction of sleepiness or fatigue, taste, habit and improved concentration for studies. A statistically significant association was found between the frequency of stress and increased caffeine consumption during stress (p = 0.011). A statistically significant association was also found between knowledge of the safe daily caffeine intake and better self-assessment of knowledge about the effects of caffeine (p = 0.001). In conclusion, the consumption of caffeine-containing products among the surveyed Vilnius University students was highly prevalent and related to academic and psychological factors. Although most respondents recognised the possible risks of caffeine consumption, more than half did not know the safe daily amount of caffeine for an adult. Therefore, informing students about responsible caffeine consumption, the cumulative intake from different caffeine sources, timing of consumption and possible adverse effects remains relevant. |
