Prevalence and factors associated with energy drink consumption amongst undergraduate students in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Overconsumption of energy drinks (EDs) is a global public health concern because of its potential health consequence. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with ED consumption amongst undergraduate students in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to study 381 undergraduate students, selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 22.0 with P ≤ 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 381 students were studied. The mean ± standard deviation age of the students was 23.1 ± 3.6 years with male-to-female distribution of about 1:1. Period prevalence of 67.0% within the last 30 days and point prevalence of 23.9% were found. The commonly used ED was Power Horse 44.6%. Up to 59.6% consumed EDs to boost their physical and mental capacity. Odds of ever-consuming EDs were lower in female undergraduates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3–0.7) and higher in Hausa/Fulani ethnic group (aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.04–2.7). Amongst those who were currently consuming EDs, being 24 years or less (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.04–3.4) and coming from the Hausa/Fulani tribe (aOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.4) were associated with increased consumption. Male undergraduates (aOR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.4) and students who were residing on campus were less likely to be current consumers of EDs (aOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9). Conclusion: Consumption of EDs is increasing amongst students and therefore relevant government agencies should ensure regulated advertisement and consumption to avert the health consequences.