Prevalence and Effect of Caffeine Usage on Students of University for Development Studies Nyankpala Campus

This paper analyzed caffeine intake trends, timing, and perception in the university students with particular consideration on the level of knowledge, source of the intake, frequency of use, perceived impact of the consumption, as well as impact on studies and daily functioning. The research design was a descriptive cross-sectional one based on a structured online questionnaire that was conducted with 120 undergraduate students in the academic year 2020. They were evaluated using the descriptive statistics to summarize the knowledge, consumption trends, perceived implications, and factors that influence them. Results indicated that knowledge on caffeine among the students was more functional as it concentrated on energy boosting, alertness and stimulation rather than about caffeine pharmacology and health hazards. The most consumed sources of caffeine were soft drinks and energy drinks and the least consumed sources of caffeine were coffee and caffeinecontaining pills. The consumption was largely situational and irregular with the majority of the students consuming caffeine at the discretion or as they pleased as opposed to becoming dependent on it on a daily basis. Although self-perceived addiction was low, a high percentage of students showed negative results, especially insomnia, headaches and anxiety. Social factors including peer pressure, celebrity endorsement and price had a minor effect in influencing consumption behavior. The findings of the research conclude that the use of caffeine by university students is normalized, and the reasons can be explained by academic requirements instead of addiction or social factors. Nevertheless, the discrepancy between the perceived advantages and the negative impact experienced also demonstrates the necessity of special health education on caffeine use in order to support student wellbeing.