Energy Drink Consumption and Increased Risk of Smoking and Alcohol and Sweetened Beverages Use among University Students

Objective: Energy drink consumption has been increasing among youth. In this study, we aimed to examine the patterns of energy drink consumption and their relationships with the use of sweetened beverages such as soda and packaged fruit juice as well as alcohol consumption and smoking among college students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study in which data were collected during the 2018-2019 academic year for 9 months from October to July. Our sample was a random selection of 373 students attending Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. We used logistic regression analysis, chi-square, and independent t-tests for data analysis. Results: Overall, 31.6% of men and 27% of women had consumed energy drinks. Men consumed energy drinks 1.3 times more than women did. Preferring the taste was the most frequent reason (30.8%) for energy drink consumption. Having energy drinks was associated with consumption of sweetened beverages and alcohol (p < .001). The mean consumption of sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks, and smoking was significantly higher among men than women (p < .05). Conclusion: A sizable percentage of students consumed energy drinks because of the taste. This indicates that they should be informed about the harmful ingredients in these drinks.