Energy drinks consumers–who they are? The profile of adolescents reporting regular energy drinks consumption

Abstract

Background Energy drinks consumption has become a major public health issue during the last decade. Previous evidence showed that adolescents reporting regular consumption of energy drinks are at higher risk of several health and behavioural problems. However, literature dealing with demographic characteristics of regular energy drinks consumers is limited. Therefore, the aim of present study was to examine the association between several socio-demographic characteristics and regular energy drinks consumption in adolescents. Methods Data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study conducted in 2014 in Slovakia were analysed. Self-reports from the representative sample of 8,653 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years (mean age 13.28; 50.3% boys) were assessed. The association between energy drinks consumption and several socio-demographic characteristics was analysed using logistic regression modelling. Findings Almost 20% of adolescents in our sample reported regular energy drinks consumption. Regular energy drinks consumers were more likely to come from incomplete families (Odds Ratio/95% Confidence Intervals: 1.5/1.17-1.98), to report lower education of mother and father (Odds Ratio/95% Confidence Intervals: 1.4/1.21-1.66;1.2/1.10-1.48 respectively) and unemployment of mother and father (Odds Ratio/95% Confidence Intervals: 1.3/1.08-1.50;1.5/1.22-1.99 respectively). Perceived socio-economic status of family nor urban-rural context was not associated with regular consumption of energy drinks in adolescents. Discussion Regular energy drinks consumption in adolescents was associated with several family related characteristics such as lower education or unemployment of parents. Wider demographic factor such as socio-economic status or urban-rural context did not affect consumption of energy drinks. Preventive strategies should be aimed at vulnerable adolescents with specific family environment.