Korean nurses' energy drink consumption and associated factors

This study aimed to examine the energy drink consumption pattern of Korean nurses and related factors. A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized, and data were collected through a self-reporting questionnaire. Participants were Korean nurses working in hospitals. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binomial logistic regression test. A total of 388 nurses participated in the study. Approximately two-thirds of the nurses consumed energy drinks in addition to caffeinated coffee and/or tea. They usually consumed energy drinks during working hours and at the workplace. In comparison with nonconsumers, nurses who consumed energy drinks perceived that they had a stimulating effect and could replace regular drinks. Having colleagues who consume energy drinks and perceiving that energy drinks had an arousal effect were shown to be associated factors for energy drink consumption; thus, it is necessary to develop educational strategies targeting these groups of nurses. The reasons for the dependence of hospital nurses on energy drinks should be further investigated.