Abstract: Public consumption of energy drinks has greatly increased over the past decade with the majority of users being adolescents and adults less than 35 years of age.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption and its consumption pattern among adolescent students.
Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study. Five intermediate and secondary schools were chosen from different sectors in Riyadh city. Sample size was 300 adolescents. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire included data evaluating attitude towards ED and its consumption pattern.
Results: Prevalence of ED consumption among adolescents in KSA was 80% and 48% of them used to consume one can or more/day. The most reported factor related to selection of a particular energy drink product was taste. To feel refreshed was the first reason of ED consumption followed by peer pressure. The most motivating advertisements to consume ED were that on TV. Males had more positive attitude towards consuming ED than females. Factors predicting healthy behavior restricting ED consumption were negative attitude towards ED and decreased number of friends consuming ED.
Conclusion: Majority of adolescents in KSA used to consume energy drinks and about half of them used to consume one can or more/day. The attitude of adolescents towards energy drinks was in the positive way especially in males.
Recommendations: Health education campaign should be directed to adolescents in KSA concerning ED and their possible health effects.
Keywords: Adolescents, energy drinks, attitude, consumption pattern.
Title: Assessment of Attitude Towards Energy Drink and Its Consumption Pattern Among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia
Author: Samira M. Mahboub, Tahani S. Al Malki, Bashayer A. Al Malki
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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