Caffeinated beverage consumption among adolescents in Sagamu, Nigeria: implications for health promotion

INTRODUCTION: the mental and physical stimulating effects of caffeine have led to an increase in consumption of caffeinated beverages. Adolescents are at an increased risk of excessive caffeine consumption and its associated adverse health consequences. This study therefore assessed the pattern of caffeinated drink consumption among in-school adolescents in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. METHODS: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 adolescents in Sagamu Township, selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 20.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated with level of significance (p) set at <0.05. RESULTS: respondents' mean age was 14.49 ± 1.37 years; 60.2% of respondents were male. Over 90% of respondents consumed caffeinated beverages; 19.2% consumed greater than 3 cans in a day; 67.8% always felt a strong urge to consume caffeinated drinks. Reasons for consumption include: to aid personal study (64.4%), thirst (47.1%), performance enhancement (34.1%), alertness (30.6%) and hunger (17.7%). Reported side effects include: nervousness (40.4%); mood swings (16.5%); palpitations (30.1%); insomnia (51.6%). CONCLUSION: consumption of caffeinated beverages was high among adolescents in Sagamu. Adequate caffeine control measures, with behavior change communication, will help to address this public health challenge among adolescents.