Publication:

Consumption of caffeine among University students in Ajman

Background Researchers have become concerned with caffeine because of risks of addiction, as shown by latest studies. World Health Organization identify caffeine dependence as a clinical disorder. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder among participants and identify determinants of Caffeine Use Disorder among participants.

Methods Questionnaires were distributed among university students who consumed caffeinated products and were older than 18 years of age. The research was carried out in 3 universities in Ajman, UAE. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results It was found that the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder among caffeine consumers was 69%. The prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder was significantly higher among students: who believed that their consumption had increased since joining the university (p<0.001) compared to other categories. The risk of Caffeine Use Disorder was higher among participants who consumed caffeine to: feel awake (OR=1.567, 95% CI:1.05-2.34), be more productive (OR=2.06, 95% CI:1.28-3.22), and because of peer pressure (OR=2.4, 95% CI:1.03-5.62) and who believed that their caffeine consumption had increased since joining the university (OR=3.68, 95%CI:2.49-5.44).

Conclusion The prevalence and risk of having Caffeine Use Disorder was high among university students, hence more research should be conducted and actions should be taken to reduce the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder.