Energy Drinks Consumption Is Associated With Reduced Sleep Duration and Increased Energy-Dense Fast Foods Consumption Among School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of energy drinks (EDs) consumption and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, eating habits, sleep duration, physical activity, and screen time among school students. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 1611 students aged 10 to 18 years from the United Arab Emirates. ED consumption among school students was 27%, with less than half consumed at least one can of EDs 1 to 3 days per week. ED consumers were less likely to meet recommended sleep duration (37% vs 62%, P < .001), more likely to consume high energy-dense fast foods (33% vs 20%, P < .001), and more likely to spend more than 6 hours in front of a screen (40.5% vs 32.3%, P < .001). Students aged 14 to 18 years were twice as likely to consume EDs as students aged 10 to 13 years (P < .001). Overall, the use of EDs was associated with male sex, older age, not meeting sleep recommendations, high energy-dense fast food consumption, and spending a longer time in front of a screen. Educational intervention programs about ED consumption and healthy lifestyle habits are highly recommended.