ENERGY DRINKS: PERCEPTION, CONSUMPTION, AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS CONSUMPTION AMONG THE YOUTH IN TAMALE METROPOLIS

The Energy Drink (ED) market has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry globally. In Ghana, the trend is similar with consumption among the youth on the rise. This is despite their association with short and long-term negative health outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to assess the prevalence and consumption pattern, perception, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. It was a population-based cross-sectional study of 541 conveniently sampled respondents. They comprised 340 males and 201 females respectively, who were aged 15-45 years. Data was collected using a questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics, consumption, and perception of EDs. The study showed that 78.7% currently consumed EDs and 98.7% have ever consumed EDs. EDs were perceived to give extra energy (81.00%) and reduce stress (62.30%). Respondents also perceived EDs to cause side effects like insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Although a high proportion perceived caffeine to be an ingredient of EDs, the majority of respondents (83.4%) had low knowledge of the classification of drinks as EDs, their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Also, age (p = .002), marital status (p = .043), level of education (p = .001), work intensity (p < .001), EDs served at gatherings (p < .001), and knowledge level of EDs (p = .010) were factors significantly associated with ED consumption. Consumption was also high among those without a formal education, high work intensity, singles, and those aged 26 to 35 years. More advocacy should be done by public health and nutrition professionals to positively impact perception of the youth on EDs. Also, lawmakers should influence consumption rates via legislation to protect the health of consumers.