an evaluation of the pattern of energy drinks consumption and its associated factors among college students

background : energy drink consumption has a direct relationship with high risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. the aim of the present study was to investigate the pattern of energy drink consumption and its associated factors in college students. methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on students of isfahan university of medical sciences, iran, in the academic year of 2012-2013. the study population consisted of 373 students of isfahan university of medical sciences. the subjects were selected using random, stratified two-stage sampling. data were collected using a two-part researcher-made questionnaire including the demographic information and consumption behavior regarding cold drinks, alcohol, and smoking forms. findings: the frequency of energy drink consumption among the participants was 7%. in pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between energy drink consumption and consumption of fruit juices, sodas, smoking, and alcohol (p < 0.001). moreover, 71.3% of cases stated that they consumed energy drinks without providing a certain reason. conclusion: due to the relationship between energy drinks consumption and the likelihood of engaging in high risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, the implementation of educational interventions in this regard is necessary among college students.