Energy drink consumption among Israeli‐Arab adolescents: Gender differences in anxiety and well‐being

• Published in: Public health challenges Vol. 3; no. 3
• Main Authors: Nimri, Lili, Mansour, Bshara, Benhos, Amir, Banna, Abdallah, Nasrallah, Elias, Sackran, Marwan, Ahmad, Ahlam Abu, Ardi, Ziv, Horovitz, Omer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 01.09.2024
• Subjects: adolescents; anxiety; energy drinks; mental health; well‐being
• ISSN: 2769-2450; 2769-2450
• DOI: 10.1002/puh2.187

Background Israeli‐Arab adolescents are reported to consume higher amounts of fast food, sweets, and candies. This study examined possible associations among energy drink consumption, anxiety, and well‐being in Israeli‐Arab adolescents. We also investigated these associations concerning fast food consumption, physical activity, and hours of sleep per night. Methods A cross‐sectional exploratory study assessed adolescents’ energy drink consumption, nutritional and lifestyle habits, well‐being, and anxiety using self‐reported questionnaires. Adolescents aged 12–18 from several cities and villages in northern Israel were considered for the study. Anthropometric measurements—weight, height, and waist circumference—were also assessed. Results One hundred and fourteen adolescents (59 females) participated in the study. Gender and energy drink consumption were associated with psychological status. Energy drink consumers reported a lower well‐being index and a higher anxiety index than nonconsumers (73.02 ± 2.64 and 23 ± 1.56 vs. 79.37 ± 1.67 and 18.86 ± 1.41, respectively). Energy drink consumers ate significantly more fast food per week than nonconsumers (1.25 ± 0.07 vs. 1.03 ± 0.09). Additionally, hours of sleep per night were correlated with anxiety levels among energy drink consumers [rs = 0.352, p = 0.018]. These results differed between genders. Conclusions Our study shows complex associations between energy drink consumption and mental health indices. These associations can serve as a basis for further research into this topic. There is a link between nutrition and mental health. A study involving 114 Arab Israeli adolescents (59 females) aged 12–18 explores associations among energy drink consumption, fast food consumption, anxiety, and well‐being. Results suggest gender differences and highlight the need for further research into these complex relationships.