The Frequency, Preferences, and Determinants of Energy Drink Consumption Among Young Polish People After the Introduction of the Ban on Sales to Minors.

Background

In Poland, the consumption of energy drinks among young people has changed significantly following the introduction of a ban on sales to minors. This regulatory measure was intended to address growing concerns about the health effects of high caffeine consumption among teenagers. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency, preferences, and determinants of energy drink consumption among Polish adolescents aged 15-17 years, following the introduction of the legal ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors.

Methods

The study was conducted in Poland in 2024, following the introduction of a law prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to minors. The study group consisted of 999 high school students aged 15-17 who completed an anonymous, author-designed survey. Data were then collected and analyzed for descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests for group comparisons, and Spearman's rank correlation for ordinal data.

Results

In total, 52% of respondents declared that they consume energy drinks, and 68% reported a reduced intake after the introduction of the regulations prohibiting sales to minors. These drinks are more frequently consumed by males. Additionally, age and frequency of consumption were positively correlated. The factors most often influencing the choice of energy drinks were price, taste, package size, caffeine content, composition, and recommendations from friends.

Conclusions

Although a large percentage of minors still consume energy drinks, the new regulations have had an impact on reducing their intake.