Social and Psychological Determinants of Caffeinated Beverage Consumption in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that is most commonly consumed globally. Its use has become very significant in India because of changing lifestyle patterns, academic stress, and occupational pressure. Understanding the local consumption patterns and their effects on an individual is essential for a public health planning system.

Objective: To assess the social and psychological determinants influencing caffeinated beverage consumption among adults in Tamil Nadu and evaluate associated physical and psychological effects.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted for three months in Kattankulathur block among adults aged 18 years above who consume coffee or tea. The minimum required sample size calculated was 232 based on a previous study done by Kamali R et al. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. The brief caffeine expectancy questionnaire was used to assess psychological factors and self-reported physical and psychological effects associated with caffeinated beverage consumption.

Results: The most frequently consumed beverages were tea (62%) and coffee (56%). These high-frequency consumers exhibited higher expectancy-related perceptions, including dependency, mood enhancement, alertness, anxiety, social facilitation, and appetite suppression. The most commonly reported psychological and physiological effects were jitteriness, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and palpitations.

Conclusion: Caffeinated beverage consumption is highly prevalent among young adults. It has a strong psychological and behavioural reinforcement influencing daily use. While the benefits that were obtained were alertness and mood enhancement, participants also reported adverse effects, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and intervention strategies to support safer caffeine consumption practices among the population.