Prevalence and awareness of caffeine consumption among the medical students.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and awareness of caffeine consumption among medical students. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad. Period: April 2018- October 2018. Material & Methods: Study carried out on 220 medical students both male and female of first year to final year class of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad, using the non-probability convenience sampling method. The interview method was used by filling the structured close ended questionnaire by the researcher (myself). The questions asked were about different parameters related to Prevalence of caffeine consumption among students like; gender distribution, preferred choice of caffeine and caffeine awareness among medical students. The responses were noted and the frequencies calculated in percentages. Results: Out of 220 respondents, majority students were females 128 (58.2%), maximum from third year class 78 (35.5%). Response to different questions was as follows; Preferred choice of caffeine was tea 92 (42.8%). Daily intake of caffeine was less than 5 cups 128 (58.2%), Season of increased consumption was summers 109 (49.6%), total years of caffeine consumption was 11-16 years 182 (82.7%), feel energetic with caffeine 142 (64.5%), feel agitated without caffeine 105 (47.7%), developed habit from family 122 (55.5%). Can survive without caffeine 132 (60%), caffeine damages the body 136 (61.8%), caffeine benefits the body 122 (55.5%), willing to quit caffeine 154 (70%). Conclusion: The results showed that majority of students were using caffeine without sufficient awareness of its adverse effects, withdrawal symptoms and benefits.