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ABSTRACT
Objective: Research has identified correlates (eg, drug use, risky sex, smoking) of using alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMEDs). Few studies have investigated common mental health-related concerns (eg, depression, sleep). Participants: Alcohol-using college students (n = 380 never used AMEDs, n = 180 used AMEDs) were recruited in the study during the fall 2011 semester. Methods: The study examined demographics, substance use, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems in association with AMED use. Results: Multivariable logistic regression indicated that alcohol use severity (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.14+1.34), drug use severity (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04–1.39), depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01–1.12), and smoking (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.22–3.68) were independently associated with AMED use; sleep problems were non-significant. Conclusions: Administrators may consider policies regarding energy drink availability on campus, and campus health personnel may increase screening and education surrounding AMED use to reduce risks among students.
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Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Bowling Green State University.
Funding
During the work on this project, Dr. Bonar was first supported by a training grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA; AA007477), and later a career development award from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA; DA036008). Dr. Ashrafioun was supported by a dissertation fellowship at Bowling Green State University.