Coffee Consumption Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Caffeine is a widely consumed psychoactive substance globally.
• Adolescent caffeine consumption patterns and associated risks require investigation.
• Understanding regional consumption habits is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the scope and patterns of caffeine consumption in Turkish adolescents.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with caffeine intake.
• To assess the types of caffeinated products consumed and reasons for consumption.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Data collected from a sample of adolescents in Turkey.
• Statistical analysis to determine prevalence, intake levels, and associated factors.

Main Results:

• Overall caffeine consumption prevalence was 65.5% among adolescents.
• Significant gender differences observed: girls consumed more coffee, boys more tea and energy drinks.
• Higher consumption linked to urban living, smoking, and higher income levels.
• 11.5% of adolescents mixed energy drinks with alcohol, more prevalent in boys.

Conclusions:

• Caffeine consumption is widespread among Turkish adolescents with distinct gender-based patterns.
• Consumption is influenced by socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices.
• There is a need for increased parental and adolescent education on the risks of excessive or inappropriate caffeine use, particularly concerning energy drinks.