Behaviour of Students of Senior Secondary School towards Caffeine in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: On entering 11th and 12th standard students feels a load of studies and lack of energy to combat that, an increase in caffeine consumption is observed in students which have both short and long term side-effects.

Aim: This study has been undertaken to throw light on the unspoken side of the coin called caffeine consumption by students of senior secondary school to relieve stress.

Materials and Methods: This was an observational study done over a period of six weeks from 1st September to 15th October 2021. Data was collected from senior secondary schools of western Uttar Pradesh, India, via semistructured questionnaire which was followed by the audio-visual presentation about caffeine. After one week of presentation same questionnaire was distributed and change was evaluated and compiled in form of adequate tables to study the responses. Data were entered in an MS Excel and tabulated in form of tables.

Results: Out of 1000 students, 920 (92%) students knew caffeine, among whom 500 (50%) students knew the side-effects of caffeine. A total of 780 (78%) students had a perception that caffeine is addictive. Among the reasons for caffeine consumption, to ward away sleep (51%) was the most prominent. Coffee was the most consumed caffeinated product (61%).

Conclusion: From the present study, it be concluded that there is a lack of knowledge in students about caffeine intake and its side-effects which can affect their health.