A Study on Awareness of Energy Drinks of Physical Education and Sports (Pes) Students

Abstract

Energy drinks are often used by sedanter individuals as well as by individuals engaged in sports. The purpose of this study is to determine the energy drinks consumption habits of the students of PES. Total of 102 (Female:33/Male:69) from Çukurova University PES students were chosen as the participants since they were to be aware of the impact of energy drinks. Data utilizing descriptive and causal comparative research methods revealed that 42.2% of participants reported using energy drink while 57.8% did not. The energy consumption ratios of the users versus non-user compared in terms of socio-demographic variables such as "sex", "age", "socioeconomic status", "living place", "income situation", "place of birth" and "lifestyle" categories did not show any statistically significant differences (p>0,05). In relation to the causes of consuming energy drinks, both consumers and non-consumers stated that energy drinks were for "being vigorous or energetic (34,9%)", "keeping energy high while doing sports (32,6%)" and "mixing with alcohol (16,3%)". Total of 60,7% of all participants and 74,4% of those who regularly use energy drinkers reported that they do not know the harm of energy drinkers. Since energy drinks contain caffeine or other stimulants, consumption during intensive physical activity is not recommended. Therefore, consumption of energy drinks during intensive physical activity is not recommended. Consequently, although energy consumption in low quantities provides some temporary advantages for healthy people, it can trigger many health problems when examined from the general population standpoint. More consciousness-raising activities on energy consumption in particular in individuals with chronic systemic disorders and in special groups such as sportsmen may reduce unconscious consumption which can cause serious health problems.