Balcos Carina, Hamwi Luminița, Chonta Irina Cristina, Cordobină Nicoleta, Toperțer Musteațǎ Mihaela Cristina, Otilia Dragomir, Murariu Denisa Vasilica, Stelea Mircea Tudor, Michitei Mihnea
DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2026.2.18.19
Abstract
Background/Aim: Energy drink consumption among adolescents has increased markedly worldwide, raising concerns about both general health effects and, more specifically, oral health, given the high acidity and sugar content of these products. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral patterns associated with energy drink consumption among secondary and high school students, and to explore, on an exploratory basis, the relationship between regular consumption and dental health status (DMFT index), stratified by sex and area of residence. Materials and Methods: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study used a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire applied to 567 students aged 13–19 years (grades VII–XII), recruited through non-probability sampling. The questionnaire covered demographics, smoking behavior, and energy drink consumption (knowledge, frequency, quantity, motivations, side effects, and attitudes). A DMFT score was additionally recorded for regular consumers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, independent-samples t-tests, and Pearson correlation (p<0.05). Results: Regular energy drink consumption was reported by 13.4% of students (76/567), decreasing with age (16.9% at 13–14 years vs. 9.6% at 17–19 years). Knowledge of ingredients and effects was low (over 80% could not identify a substance), despite generally cautious attitudes (60.3% worried about health risks; 81.7% considered these drinks unsuitable for children). Among consumers, side effects and mixing with other beverages were frequently reported, yet 59% would not recommend the product to others. Taste and price were the main drivers of product choice. The DMFT analysis showed no significant association with sex (p=0.46) or area of residence (p=0.18). Conclusions: Adolescents in this sample combine low product-specific knowledge with reasonably intact risk awareness, sustaining consumption through sensory and commercial factors rather than perceived benefit. No significant associations were identified between DMFT and the investigated socio-demographic or behavioral variables.
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