Publication: Caffeine consumption and its association with stress among undergraduate students at the health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Date
2026-08
Authors
Rizal, Radhiah Ishami
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Abstract
One of the most widely consumed psychoactive stimulants among university students is caffeine, which is often used to enhance alertness, improve concentration, and manage academic demands. However, excessive caffeine consumption may exacerbate adverse psychological effects, including anxiety and stress. This study was conducted among undergraduate students at the Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to determine the pattern of caffeine consumption, assess stress levels, and identify the association between caffeine consumption and stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 undergraduate students from the Health Campus, USM. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic information, caffeine consumption patterns, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables, while the Chi-square test was used to determine the association between caffeine consumption and stress level. The results revealed that tea was the most commonly consumed source of caffeine, followed by coffee and chocolate. Most respondents consumed caffeinated beverages one to three times weekly. The mean score of stress was 18.12 (SD = 4.749), indicating a moderate level of perceived stress. The majority of respondents experienced moderate stress (80.6%), followed by low stress (17.0%) and high stress (2.4%). Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between caffeine consumption frequency and stress level among undergraduate students (p = 0.977). In conclusion, caffeine consumption was common among undergraduate students at the Health Campus, USM, with tea being the preferred source. Although most students experienced moderate stress levels, caffeine consumption frequency was not significantly associated with stress levels. Further studies involving larger and more diverse populations are recommended to better understand the relationship between caffeine consumption and stress among university students.
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