Analysis of the Factors Affecting Energy Drink Consumption Among University Students: The Case of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing energy drink consumption habits among students at Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University. Within the scope of the research, an online survey was administered to 288 university students. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency analyses, a 5-point Likert scale, and Binary Logistic Regression methods. The mean level of concern regarding health effects among students who consume energy drinks (M = 2.75) was found to be lower than the overall sample average (M = 2.85), suggesting that these students tend to downplay the associated health risks. High agreement levels with statements such as “consumed more in social environments” (M = 2.88) and “consumption increases when with friends” (M = 2.75) indicate a strong influence of social context on consumption behavior. Psychological assessments revealed low levels of concern, suggesting that students perceive energy drinks primarily as a means of improving physiological performance rather than being emotionally driven. According to the Binary Logistic Regression results, factors such as age and family income negatively affect energy drink consumption, whereas variables such as social media use, academic level, and spending amount positively contribute to increased consumption. Additionally, students who prefer alternative beverages in the morning were significantly less likely to consume energy drinks. In conclusion, it is recommended that awareness be raised among students regarding the potential risks of energy drinks, social media advertising be regulated, and healthy beverage alternatives be promoted more effectively.