Influences of Caffeine Consumption Among Adult New Zealanders: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:

Caffeine has come to play a part in the day-to-day routine of most New Zealanders. Despite dynamic market growth of caffeinated foods and beverages, targeting adolescents and young adults, there is a lack of information on dietary exposure and current consumption patterns. Excess caffeine results in overstimulation of the central nervous system, and adverse caffeine-related health incidents have escalated in New Zealand over the last two decades. Factors that influence the consumption of caffeinated foods and beverages among adolescents and adults are unknown. The aim of this study was to undertake an in-depth exploration to understand factors that influence the consumption of caffeinated products among young New Zealanders. These data will inform the development of a caffeine consumption habit questionnaire to examine caffeine intakes among New Zealand adults and to determine subgroups at risk.

Method:

Seven focus groups with young adults in community settings (n = 43) were conducted to investigate cultural perspectives and diverse views and to provide a collective perspective of caffeinated product influences. A guide for planning the question route facilitated discussion and search for explanation and meaning. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and text coded by inductive analysis using the thematic framework approach.

Results:

Four themes were identified that influenced the intake of caffeinated products among the focus group participants: the social and cultural context; environmental conditions; physical, psychological, and emotional expectations, and individual knowledge and perceptions.

Conclusions:

A complex interplay of factors influences caffeinated product consumption with interactions at the social, cultural, environmental, psychological, and physiological levels.