Abstract:
Objectives: To assess trend of consumption and withdrawal effects from caffeine containing products among medical
undergraduate students of Karachi.
Study design and setting: Cross-sectional study conducted via web-based questionnaire, from January 2020 to June 2021.
Methodology: Undergraduate medical, MBBS students aged 18-24 years, studying in 6 different medical universities of
Karachi were included in the study. An online survey was conducted. An online questionnaire was designed which consisted
of 28 self-made questions that focused on collecting basic sociodemographic information, coffee consumption habits, and
any adverse event associated with caffeine intake. The questionnaire was posted online and undergraduate medical students
were invited to participate in the study.
Results: One hundred and fifty seven students participated in the study. Out of 157 students 94% admitted to consuming
some form of caffeine containing product (CCP), with 42.3% (n = 66) of the total believing that they were addicted to
caffeine. A significant number also believed that CCPs helped students deal with their problems. Withdrawal symptoms
include migraines, sleep disturbances, and loss of focus, leading to an inability to perform daily tasks. A positive correlation
was also found between the daily intake of any CCP and incidence of withdrawal symptoms (p=0.01).
Conclusion: Many students in medical universities of Karachi are moving towards caffeine dependence, due to daily
consumption over a prolonged period of time. Promoting responsible consumption habits and spreading awareness over
potential adverse effects of CCPs, especially amongst a younger audience could improve the health and lifestyles of students
in the long-term.
