Mixing alcohol with energy drinks: Using the theory of planned behavior to examine its use among undergraduate students

Purpose: This study examined Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs as correlates of the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) among undergraduates.

Methods: Undergraduate students aged 18-24 were recruited from a Southeastern university in the U.S. to complete an in class 38-item survey. The survey was a compilation of two instruments that were modified for study purposes. AmED questions were borrowed from a previously validated instrument (Brache & Stockwell, 2011). Theoretical questions were also adopted from a previously validated instrument intended to examine heavy episodic drinking among undergraduates (Collins, Witkiewitz, & Larimer, 2011). Theoretical questions were modified in order to examine AmED use. Reliability analyses were conducted to ensure reliability of theoretical scales.

Results: 605 undergraduates completed a survey during class time at the university in which the research was conducted. 21.3% of undergraduates had engaged in AmED consumption in the last 30 days. Individually, all four constructs of the TPB (attitude, behavioral intention, social norms, perceived behavioral control) significantly predicted AmED comsumption (p<.001). A logistic regression combining the four constructs revealed a significant model (df=4, x2=213.714, p<.0001) explaining 46.2% of the variance. Specifically, results indicated that the TPB constructs of attitude (p<.001) and behavioral intention (p<.001) were predictors of AmED consumption. Social norms and perceived behavioral control were not significant predictors, while controlling for the effects of one another.

Conclusion: The TPB has some utility in explaining AmED consumption. These outcomes could assist health professionals to create policies and prevention efforts aimed at reducing AmED intake.