Energy Drinks and Risky Health Behaviors

Background: Energy drinks are beverages that contain large quantities of caffeine, sugar and other ingredients such as taurine guarana, ginseng and B vitamins. They are marketed specifically to students, athletes, and other young people. Purpose: To establish the frequency of intake of energy drinks by athletes and other students and to then determine if there are consequent adverse health behaviors as a result of this intake. Significance: There have been documented health consequences associated with these products including dehydration, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, and vomiting and more serious reactions such as seizures, heart arrhythmia and death. Additionally, research has shown that those who drink an excessive amount of energy drinks may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Methodology: The survey will be administered to athletes and non-athletes by the researchers. Administrative assistance has been provided to identify appropriate means of accessing these students. Athletes will be surveyed first. As far as it is feasible and practical, the researchers will subsequently match non-athletes as closely as possible to the demographics of the athletes. The survey is completely anonymous and no individual, team or class results will be disseminated. Findings/Results: This research will take place during the spring 2010 semester. Conclusions/Recommendations: Because relatively little research has been conducted in this area, this study will add to the overall body of knowledge. Of particular importance is this approach of surveying both athletes and non-athletes and the ability to examine risk behavior by energy drink intake and student status.