Energy drink consumption among university students

Energy drinks (EDs) have gained widespread popularity among young adults, yet their consumption carries potentially harmful health risks, including cardiovascular and neurological risks. This comparative study examines energy drink (EDs) consumption among 690 university students from Croatia (n=370) and India (n=323), focusing on cross-cultural and gender differences. Croatian students consumed EDs more frequently (95.1% of males vs. 87.1% in India) and started earlier (58.8% of Croatian males before age 15 vs. 23.9% Indian males). Mixing EDs with alcohol was far more common in Croatia (74% vs. 13%). Indian students showed stronger gender gaps: 87.1% of males vs. 67.9% of females had tried EDs, and males were significantly more informed (44% vs. 21%). Croatian females were more cautious, with 88.8% supporting a ban for minors, compared to 65.7% of Croatian males. Despite higher awareness, Croatian students reported more frequent side effects (e.g. rapid heartbeat in 32.8% of females). The findings emphasize the need for culturally and gender-sensitive health education and regulatory policies.