PREVALENCE AND SIDE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION AMONGST MEDICAL STUDENTS.

Abstract

Caffeine is the most widely consumed central nervous system stimulant in the world. Medical students and health professionals are more prone to consumption of high amounts of caffeinated products because they are regularly exposed to stress conditions. The current study is cross sectional study. The participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Around 500 participants composed of the sample size who were distributed with the questionnaire and the responses were recorded. The study showed consumption of caffeinated products by major portion of the sample size. Major reasons of consumption being to feel more awake, mood elevation and focus and concentration. Various side effects faced were difficulty in sleep, frequent urination, tremors and palpitations. Long term consumption showed various withdrawal symptoms is many individuals like headache, fatigue and cravings. Awareness among medical students and health professionals regarding this topic is important as future healthcare lies in their hand.