Energy drink and coffee consumption patterns in medical students and junior doctors: a 9-year repeated cross-sectional and mixed-methods study

Abstract Aim Medical students and foundation year (junior) doctors often use maladaptive coping strategies, such as excessive energy drink (ED) and coffee consumption. This study analyzed these consumption patterns, considering the impact of exam periods, medical school progression, graduation status, and anxiety levels. Subject and methods Online questionnaires were administered to medical students at the University of Malta and junior doctors at the Malta national hospital in 2015 (phase 1, P1) and 2024 (phase 2, P2). The data were statistically analyzed; the supplementary qualitative data were juxtaposed with the core quantitative component to generate meta-inferences (QUAN + qual). Results Five hundred thirty-four participants were included, comprising 361 medical students and 173 junior doctors. P2 participants consumed more EDs than P1 during exam periods and initiated consuming EDs at older ages than P1. Commonest reasons for consumption were mixing with alcohol, staying awake, and studying/working. In P1, men consumed more EDs than women; this gender disparity was not significant in P2. No difference in ED/coffee consumption was observed between medical students and junior doctors. P2 participants consumed more EDs and coffee during exam periods; notably those consuming no EDs/coffee outside exam periods were less likely to consume during exam periods. Coffee was perceived to improve exam performance more than EDs. Smokers demonstrated a higher likelihood of consuming both EDs and coffee. No significant correlation was found between ED/coffee consumption and anxiety levels. Conclusion The authors recommend university campaigns and policies targeted toward health alternatives to EDs, revised exam timetables, and better education on ED contents.