Association between High-caffeine Energy Drink Intake and Suicidal Ideation in Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between consuming high-caffeine energy drinks and suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents. Methods: This study used data drawn from the 2015 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web_Based Survey. The data of 66,068 students in total (33,374 middle school students and 32,694 high school students) were included in the analysis. The x2 test, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted with the use of SAS 9.3. Results: Adjusted for the variables associated with suicidal ideation, multivariate logistic regression revealed that consuming highly caffeinated energy drinks had a significant effect on suicidal ideation (middle school students, 1~2 times per week: OR=1.24, 3~4 times per week: OR=1.88, 5~6 times per week: OR=2.20, everyday: OR=2.66, high school students, 1~2 times per week: OR=1.26, 3~4 times per week: OR=1.84, 5~6 times per week: OR=2.42, everyday: OR=3.89). Conclusion: This study strongly suggests adolescents be provided with health education and information about consuming an adequate amount of high-caffeine energy drink and the drink’s side effects. In addition, regulations and polices on high-caffeine drink intake should be implemented.