Abstract:
Background: Consumption of caffeine is known to exert many health effects and is associated
with Serum Uric Acid (SUA), Body Mass Index (BMI) and gastritis.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of caffeinated beverage intake and its association with
SUA, BMI and gastritis prevalence among undergraduates aged 20-26 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 100 undergraduates aged 20-26 years,
from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, using
random number table. Information on caffeine consumption (assuming that caffeine content in
each cup is equal) and gastritis incidence was assessed using a validated self-administered
questionnaire. Three milliliters of whole blood were collected and SUA levels were measured
using the Erba XL 100 biochemistry analyzer. Weight and height were measured for BMI
calculation. Data analysis were done using SPSS version 25. Results were considered
statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Results: Prevalence of black tea, brewed coffee and instant coffee consumption were 96%,
83% and 61% respectively. Out of 100 participants, 71% (n = 71) were routine users (≥7
cups/week) while 29% (n = 29) were non-routine users (<7 cups/week or never consumers).
Females (89.20%) showed a significantly high prevalence of caffeinated beverages
consumption than males (19.20%, p = 0.000). The mean SUA level was significantly low
among routine consumers (3.81 mg/dL) than non-routine consumers (5.21 mg/dL, p = 0.000).
Prevalence of gastritis was significantly high among routine caffeine consumers (62.0%, n =
44) when compared with non-routine consumers (34.5%, n = 29, p = 0.012). No significant
association was found between total caffeine intake and BMI (p = 0.605).
Conclusions: This study reveals that, tea is the most commonly used caffeinated beverage and
consumption was higher in female students. There was a significant negative association
between total caffeine consumption and SUA levels. A positive association between caffeine
intake and gastritis incidence was seen. This study did not show any association between
caffeine consumption and BMI.
