Energy drink use and its health implications among medical students in Aden, Yemen: a cross-sectional study

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is becoming an increasingly common habit among university students, especially those in demanding medical fields. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption among medical university students in Aden, Yemen.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 university students from both public and private universities between May and August 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS.

The overall prevalence of ED consumption was 62.5%. Consumption was higher among males (68.5%) and younger students aged ≤ 19 years (73.6%), and both showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). ED consumption was higher in the evening (59.2%), and the most commonly consumed brand was Lift Up. Academic pressure was a major contributing factor, as 76.8% of respondents reported increased intake during examinations. Nearly half of the participants (44.8%) reported combining energy drinks with other substances. Although 83.8% believed that EDs improve concentration and energy, most also reported adverse effects, particularly insomnia (66%), anxiety or stress (58.8%), heart palpitations (58.2%), and dehydration (58.4%). Significant associations were found between ED consumption and daily coffee consumption as well as qat chewing (75.7% and 64.9%, p = 0.017 and p = 0.007), respectively.

Energy drink consumption is highly prevalent among medical students in Aden and is influenced by demographic and academic factors. Despite widespread awareness of potential adverse health effects, consumption remains driven by perceived academic benefits. These findings highlight the need for university-based health promotion programs and targeted educational interventions to increase awareness of the risks associated with energy drink use and to encourage healthier coping strategies during academic stress.