The Relationship Between Caffeine Consumption and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Level and Sleep Quality in Medical Students

Objective: This study examined the relationship between caffeine use and depression, anxiety, stress level and sleep quality in medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 1, and April 15, 2022, by applying a face-to-face questionnaire to 700 medical students. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. Results: In the last month, more than 80% of medical students consumed caffeine as tea, solid foods containing caffeine, and coffee. Female gender, increasing age, class level, smoking, family income and place of residence were the factors affecting the caffeine use among students. Caffeine consumption increased in those with high anxiety and stress scores. 73.1% of medical students had poor sleep quality, and as sleep quality worsened, students’ caffeine use increased. Conclusion: It may be offer medical students other alternatives instead of increased caffeine consumption to cope with anxiety and stress and to improve sleep quality.