Consumption of Energy Drinks among University Students in Eastern Croatia

The modern lifestyle today creates a certain pressure on people who are forced to adapt to such a way of living. Energy drinks (EDs), beverages containing certain stimulating ingredients, are increasingly being offered on the market. Given the unclear impact of EDs consumption on the health of the individual, the focus of this study was to determine the prevalence of EDs consumption among the student population at the University of Osijek (Eastern Croatia). The cross-sectional study via an anonymous questionnaire included 424 students, with an average age of 22.8 years. It was discovered that 52.4% of participants consume EDs. Males were significantly more likely to drink EDs than females (chi(2)-test; p = 0.006). They more frequently consume EDs six or more times per month (chi(2)-test; p = 0.045) as well as consume more EDs on one occasion (chi(2)-test; p < 0.001). University students who were engaged in sports or physical activity were significantly more likely to consume EDs (chi(2)-test; p = 0.024) as well as smokers in comparison to non-smokers (chi(2)-test; p = 0.034). In conclusion, the study proved the frequent consumption of EDs among Croatian university students consequently highlighting the need to raise awareness of the possible adverse effects of EDs consumption.