Prevalencia del consumo de bebidas energizantes y su relación con sintomatología ansiosa en estudiantes de la carrera de medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca en el periodo septiembre 2024 - febrero 2025

Abstract

Given the growing popularity of the consumption of energy drinks among university students, who resort to these beverages to cope with academic demands and the pressure to perform well, there is a need to investigate their possible effects on mental health, particularly in relation to anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of energy drinks consumption and its relationship with anxiety symptoms in medical students at the University of Cuenca. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 376 medical students, using standardized questionnaires to evaluate both the frequency and intensity of consumption of these drinks and the presence and intensity of anxiety-related symptoms. The results revealed that 32.7% of the students surveyed consumed energy drinks on a regular basis. In addition, a statistically significant association was identified between the consumption of these drinks and the presence of anxious symptomatology in the students, suggesting a possible relationship between both factors. However, it could not be determined whether greater consumption is associated with greater intensity of anxious symptomatology. Despite the limitations of the study, the findings underscore the importance of implementing intervention strategies aimed at the student population. These strategies should focus on raising awareness of the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks, promoting healthy lifestyle habits that allow students to cope with academic stress without resorting to substances that may compromise their long-term physical and mental well-being.