Association of Depression and Anxiety with Consumption of Caffeine-Containing Beverages in University Students of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students worldwide is a growing concern. Concurrently, caffeine consumption has increased, attributed to perceived benefits. While moderate caffeine intake might offer protective effects, excessive consumption has been linked to anxiety and depression. Although studies have explored this relationship globally, research specific to Pakistan remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of excessive caffeine consumption on the levels of anxiety and depression among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over eight weeks from June 20th to August 15th, 2023, among 324 university students in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were selected through convenient sampling from both medical and non-medical universities. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, which included sections on socio-demographic information, academic history, mental health history, and caffeine intake. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee of Gulab Devi Institute of Pharmacy (REC/GDIP/23/DCP/16). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25, with Pearson's correlation coefficient employed to evaluate the relationship between caffeine consumption and mental health outcomes. Results: Of the 324 participants, 238 were female (73.5%) and 86 were male (26.5%). The majority were in their fifth year or higher (52.5%). Tea was the primary source of caffeine (75.9%), followed by coffee (22.8%) and energy drinks (17.9%). Significant positive correlations were found between caffeine consumption and PHQ-9 scores (r = .216, p < .001) as well as GAD-7 scores (r = .258, p < .001). Conclusion: Excessive consumption of caffeine-containing beverages is significantly associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety among university students in Lahore. These findings highlight the need for awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the mental health risks associated with high caffeine intake in this population.