Energy-drink use correlates differ from frequency among Dubai undergraduates

Researchers analyzed an anonymous online survey of undergraduates recruited through university and student channels in Dubai. The primary sample comprised 599 students after five probable repeat submissions were excluded. The cross-sectional study assessed energy-drink use, consumption frequency among users, lifestyle factors, risk awareness and self-reported symptoms. The energy-drink-use question did not specify a recall period, and participants were a non-probability sample.

Overall, 238 students (39.7%; 95% CI 35.9%–43.7%) reported energy-drink use. Fast-food or junk-food dietary pattern was associated with use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.39, 95% CI 1.29–4.44), as was occasional tobacco-product use (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.29–3.50) and regular tobacco-product use (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 2.08–4.91). Among users, male sex (adjusted cumulative OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.48–4.83) and regular tobacco-product use (2.34, 95% CI 1.32–4.15) were associated with higher consumption frequency.

The findings suggest that measuring frequency can reveal patterns not captured by a yes/no use measure. However, the cross-sectional design cannot establish causality, and the sampling approach and unspecified recall period limit interpretation and generalizability. The study supports attention to energy-drink use alongside tobacco use and dietary behaviors in university health promotion, but does not establish effects of interventions.