Adolescent Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Caffeine and the Consumption of Caffeinated Beverages

Abstract

Objectives: To explore adolescents' attitudes and beliefs toward the consumption of caffeinated beverages and factors influencing their caffeinated beverage choice and consumption patterns.

Design: Twenty focus groups were conducted with grades 9 to 12 secondary school students.

Setting: Two secondary schools in London, Ontario, Canada.

Participants: This study included 166 adolescents, 42% of whom were male and 72% of whom were in grades 9 and 10.

Phenomenon of interest: Adolescent views regarding caffeine and caffeinated beverages.

Analysis: Three researchers independently conducted inductive content analysis on the data using the principles of the immersion-crystallization method.

Results: Awareness levels regarding types of caffeinated beverages and their negative health effects were high in adolescents whereas awareness of other aspects of caffeine itself and recommended consumption levels were low. Adolescents also identified reasons for caffeine use, including providing energy, taste, accessibility, and image enhancement. Influences for caffeine use most noted by participants included parental role modeling, media and advertising, and social norms.

Conclusions and implications: Further education is needed to correct the misconceptions adolescents have regarding certain aspects of caffeine. By gaining a deeper understanding of adolescents' caffeine use, effective educational strategies may be developed to reduce its use and mitigate potential harms.

Keywords: adolescents; attitudes; caffeinated beverages; caffeine; focus groups.