Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and socio-economic determinants of energy drink (ED) consumption and related health outcomes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A self-report survey was used to collect data from 2,024 students (aged 13-20 years). Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between ED consumption, diet and health-related outcomes.

RESULTS: In total, 54% of young people reported ED consumption at least once and 25.5% at least weekly. The most common (38.65%) reason for ED consumption was the enjoyable flavour. Male students reported higher ED consumption compared to females (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.46). ED consumption was associated with an unhealthy diet (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.87), tobacco use (OR = 5.91, 95% CI 3.47 to 10.07), poor quality sleep (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.99). Those who regularly ate breakfast were less likely to report ED consumption (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95).

CONCLUSION: More than 1 in 2 young people reported ED consumption among a sample of Riyadh-based students. Consumption was found to be associated with a poor-quality diet and negative health outcomes. Findings suggest that there is a public health need to reduce the consumption of EDs among this population.

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