The Rationale of Caffeine Consumption and its Symptoms During Preparatory and Non-Preparatory Days: A Study Among Medical Students
Shree Lakshmi Devi S1
, Abilash S. C2 and Basalingappa S31Department of Pharmacology, Shri Satya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Nellikuppam, Kanchipuram Dist.
2Department of Pathology, Shri Satya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Nellikuppam, Kanchipuram Dist.
3Department of Pharmacology, Dm Wayanad Institute of Medical Science, Wayanad, Kerala.
Corresponding Author E-mail: drshree20@gmail.com
Abstract: Caffeine is the most widely used pharmacologically active substance in the world. Medical students are more prone for consumption of caffeine drinks and they are posed for high stress and heavy study hours. The study was postulated in order to know the reasons, circumstances under which students consume caffeine and the symptoms that they face due to caffeine consumption. The current study is a cross sectional study. The participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. About 150 students participated in the study. Self-assessment questionnaire was distributed among the willing students. The data was collected and statistically analysis was done. The study showed that majority of medical students where low consumers of caffeine during regular days whereas during exam days the amount of consumption shifts more towards moderate intake category. Commonest reason and circumstance behind caffeine intake was to keep them more alert and to study for exam. The symptom they faced often was loss of sleep and during exam days, other CNS related effects were also noted. The future healthcare relies on today’s medical students who are in a responsible position to provide complete education to the community about the consequences of consuming caffeine drinks. For which the students should be aware of caffeine’s implication on one’s health. Medical students must be postulated to various awareness programs about alternative nutrients filled diet for their long lasting health benefits.
Keywords: Caffeine; Medical Students; Circumstance; Symptom Back to TOC