Purpose: Caffeine and energy drink consumption is prevalent among young
adults, a population vulnerable to sleep disruption, anxiety, and cardiac
arrhythmias. Despite medical training, it remains unclear whether medical
students understand caffeine limits and cardiovascular risks or feel prepared
to counsel patients. This study examined energy drink and caffeine
consumption patterns, knowledge gaps, and associated symptoms to inform
curriculum development.
Methods: Students at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood
Johnson Medical School completed an anonymous online survey assessing
frequency of consumption across eight caffeinated beverages, including energy
drinks (canned beverages, energy shots, powder supplements, and coffee-energy
hybrids). The survey evaluated motivations and timing of use, knowledge of
caffeine content and cardiovascular effects, self-reported symptoms, and
perspectives on whether healthcare professionals should routinely assess
patient caffeine intake. Descriptive statistics summarize consumption
patterns, knowledge levels, symptoms, and attitudes.
Results: Among 247 respondents (mean age 25.77±2.73 years; range 22-34; 64%
female), 71.66% reported consuming energy drinks. While coffee was most
frequently consumed (56% daily or more), 58% consumed canned energy drinks at
least monthly. Primary motivations included maintaining wakefulness (81.92%),
boosting energy (74.58%), and enhancing concentration (53.67%), particularly
during study sessions and before examinations. Most respondents recognized
cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate 97.98%; palpitations 96.76%),
yet only 52.63% correctly identified the recommended daily caffeine limit
(400mg) and only 36.84% accurately estimated caffeine content in a typical
16-oz energy drink. Among consumers, symptoms included increased heart rate
(79%), sleep disturbance (71%), anxiety (65%), and palpitations (50%). Most
students (87%) believed clinicians should screen for caffeine use, and 71%
considered student consumption a health concern.
Conclusion: Medical students frequently consume energy drinks and
experience cardiovascular and sleep-related symptoms yet demonstrate
substantial knowledge gaps. Findings support integrating caffeine safety
education into medical curricula as essential clinical interviewing and
patient-counseling competencies.