Relationship Between Energy Drink Consumption and Daily Hassles Among College Students

ABSTRACT

Background: College students report high levels of stress, which may be exacerbated by the psychoactive ingredients in energy drinks. Little is understood about the relationship between daily hassles and energy drink consumption. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between energy drink consumption patterns and daily hassles among college students. Methods: College students (n = 449) completed an online survey evaluating energy drink consumption and daily hassles using the Revised University Student Hassles Scale (RUSHS). Results: The most common reasons reported for consuming energy drinks were lack of energy (90.3%), lack of sleep (87.0%), and feeling tired (85.4%). No significant differences in daily hassles were found between energy drink consumers and nonconsumers. Energy drink consumption and daily hassles subscores varied based on demographic characteristics. Discussion: Results of this study did not support a relationship between energy drink consumption and perceived daily hassles. Further research is needed to understand the potential association between energy drink consumption and other determinants of mental health. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Education interventions should rectify misperceptions that energy drinks are effective when students miss sleep, need energy, and need to study for exams.