Energy Drinks Consumption and Personality Dimensions Among MBBS Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine, taurine, guarana, L-carnitine, vitamins, and sugar, widely marketed to enhance performance, alertness, and endurance. Their consumption has risen globally among young adults, with limited data from Indian medical students. Objectives: To determine the magnitude and pattern of energy drink consumption among MBBS students and to assess personality dimensions using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) in consumers. Material and Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS students of Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Of 1000 students approached, 726 provided valid responses (response rate 72.6%). A semi-structured sociodemographic proforma, a structured questionnaire on ED consumption patterns including brand preference, duration, frequency, and reasons for use, and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) were administered. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 and Chi-square test was applied for categorical comparisons. Results: The overall energy drink consumption was 12.5% (n=91/726). Males constituted 62.6% of consumers despite forming 47.1% of the total sample (p<0.001). 3rd year Phase 2 (equivalent to 4th year) MBBS students showed the highest consumption (23.8%). Red Bull (35.2%) and Sting (26.4%) were the most preferred brands. A large majority of consumers were occasional users (83.5%), with daily use being negligible (3.3%), indicating a very low dependence pattern. The most common reasons for consumption were needing more energy in general (39.6%) and studying for exams (36.3%). Among ED consumers assessed on the BFI, personality scores ranked as: Extraversion > Neuroticism > Openness to Experience > Agreeableness > Conscientiousness. Conclusion: Energy drink consumption is relatively low (12.5%) among MBBS students at this institution, with the pattern predominantly occasional rather than habitual, indicating minimal dependence. Male students and 3rd year Phase 2 students were the most frequent consumers. Academic stress remains the primary driver. Targeted health education and personality-informed counselling are warranted to prevent escalation of consumption patterns.

Keywords: Energy drinks, caffeine, MBBS students, Big Five Inventory, personality dimensions.