1.1 Introduction
Caffeine is a bitter in taste, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a psychoactive stimulant drug and a mild diuretic. Almost sixty plant species are known to contain caffeine (Palatini et al., 2009). Caffeine is a highly used stimulant on college campuses. The prevalence of energy drinks, especially among the younger generations is cause for concern. Caffeinated beverages have been a common commodity on college campuses for many years. It is well-known that caffeine is a heavily sought-after substance to provide energy for students to meet the expectations of their collegiate demands (Manchester et al., 2017). According to Andrews et al., (2007), Caffeine is a most common ingredient of energy drinks. It is added as a flavouring agent and to make the drinks addictive (Andrews et al., 2007).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Caffeine is one of the world’s most widely used drugs. Many anthropologists believe people used caffeine start from Stone Age. Caffeine was first extracted from coffee in 1821 (Anna and Kurek, 2013). Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of over 63 plants species worldwide and is part of a group of compounds known as methyl xanthine's. The most commonly known sources of caffeine are coffee, cocoa beans, cola nuts and tea leave (Runge and Friedlieb, 2014).
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in humans, caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant (Nehlig et al., 1992). It has the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks, enjoy great popularity (Torres et al., 2009). Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Adults receive nearly three quarters of their daily caffeine from coffee. Children receive one half of their caffeine from soft drinks Energy drinks represent a fast-growing beverage market.
Different energy drinks having different amount of caffeine and its range is from 50-300 mg. Most people experience no behavioural effects with less than 300 mg caffeine. Sleep is more sensitive and can be disrupted by 200 mg caffeine (Frary et al., 2005).
The caffeine content in your average cup of coffee is around 100 mg. Decaffeinated coffee isn't actually caffeine-free, and can contain up to 12 mg of caffeine. Your average cup of tea contains 85 mg of caffeine. A single can of commercially available energy drink can have anywhere between 80 and 280 mg of caffeine depending on the can size. Green tea is close behind with 60 mg of caffeine, followed by white tea with 55 mg. Slim- fast chocolate drinks come in at 20 mg of caffeine in a single serving (Bonnie et al., 2004).
Caffeine is metabolized in the liver into three primary metabolites: Para xanthine (84%), Theo bromine (12%), and theophylline (4%) (David et al, 2015). An acute overdose of caffeine, usually in excess of 250 milligrams (more than 2-3 cups of brewed coffee), can result in a state of central nervous system overstimulation called caffeine intoxication (Sfetcu, 2006).
Students seek out caffeine for the immediate effects that it bears, such as enhanced mood, alertness, ability to stay awake when fatigued, faster information processing, and heightened awareness (Richards & Smith, 2015). Studies have reflected that following the ingestion of a caffeine-containing beverage, some people exhibit increased memory performance and function in executive tasks (Manchester et al., 2017). Caffeine has been relied upon by many who need an extra boost of energy. Mahoney et al. (2018) found that caffeine was consumed by 92% of students in the past year with a mean daily caffeine consumption of 159 mg/d and a mean intake of 173 mg/d. Those who are consuming high levels of caffeine may not know the long-term effects it has on the body. Based on the review of the literature, a gap was detected regarding the effects of caffeine use among college students.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the Caffeine Intake among Tertiary Institution Students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there are many unhealthy side effects that occur with the use of caffeine. According to Kadey (2016), cardiovascular complications, insomnia, poor dietary choices, risky behavior, sugar blues, and dental problems are some of the many potential harms of caffeine (Kadey, 2016).
The negative effects of caffeine consumption include hunger suppression, mood swings, sleep problems and anxiety (Pereira-Morales et al., 2019). The abrupt withdrawal in chronic caffeine users may lead to severe headache, muscle pain, stiffness, vomiting and nausea (Booth et al., 2020). Many tertiary institution students view their intake as a problem but use it for the effects gained. Proper education and awareness regarding caffeine use would be beneficial.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Caffeine Intake among Tertiary Institution Students using University of Benin (UNIBEN) as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To estimate the prevalence and pattern of caffeine consumption among tertiary institution students;
- To examine the level of caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students; and
- To determine the caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students and the perception of its effects.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the prevalence and pattern of caffeine consumption among tertiary institution students?
- What is the level of caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students?
- What are the caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students and the perception of its effects?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant effect of caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students in the area under review
- H1: There is significant effect of caffeine intake habits of tertiary institution students in the area under review
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings of this study are beneficial and can lead to implementing changes to promote healthier life style among university students. It addresses an important public health issue and contributes to providing better understanding of perceptions that are linked with the effects of caffeine.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Assessment of Caffeine Intake among Tertiary Institution Students using University of Benin (UNIBEN) as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Caffeine: It is a drug that is a bitter in taste, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a psychoactive stimulant drug and a mild diuretic.
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