From caffeine use motives to sleep disturbance: network and structural equation modeling of caffeine use disorder and depression among caffeine consumers.
Caffeine consumption is common among university students, and its relationship with sleep problems is influenced by depressive symptoms.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the ara 290 corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated caffeine consumption patterns among 530 university students in Bangladesh, focusing on its association with caffeine use disorder (CUD), depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. Approximately 72% of participants reported caffeine consumption. The study utilized network analysis and structural equation modeling to assess relationships among these factors.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Caffeine consumption is universal among university students and may be linked with mental health and sleep problems. Yet evidence on the patterns of use, underlying motives, and their links with depression and sleep disturbance among Bangladeshi students is limited.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of caffeine consumption, identify associates, and explore the relationship among caffeine use disorder (CUD), motives, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems.<h4>Method</h4>A cross-sectional study using random sampling was conducted among 530 university students [ <b><i>M</i></b> <sub><b><i>Age</i></b> </sub> :21.76 (SD:1.79), 56.8% male]. Participants reported caffeine consumption, motives, depressive and sleep problems symptoms. Network analysis was used to assess item-level connections, and structural equation modeling (SEM) tested direct and indirect pathways.<h4>Results</h4>Nearly 72% of students reported consuming caffeine. Consumption was significantly associated with monthly family expenditure, academic year, smoking habit, and having a loan or debt. Network analysis revealed strong connections among CUD symptoms, particularly impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite harm. Craving and self-reward motives acted as key bridge nodes. Depressive symptoms and sleep problems were closely linked, with clinically relevant bridges involving suicidal ideation and concentration difficulties. SEM showed that CUD had a significant direct effect on sleep problems and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms, while motives did not directly affect sleep disturbance.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Visible clusters among symptoms and CUD's direct and indirect effects through depression on sleep problems highlight the need for psychoeducation on healthy caffeine consumption and screening for mental health problems for better sleep quality.
Background
Caffeine consumption is prevalent among university students and may be associated with mental health issues and sleep disturbances. Previous studies have indicated potential links between caffeine use disorder and various psychological factors, but specific patterns and motives among Bangladeshi students were not well understood. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the prevalence of caffeine consumption and its relationship with depressive symptoms and sleep problems.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing random sampling among 530 university students with a mean age of 21.76 (SD: 1.79), of which 56.8% were male. Participants reported their caffeine consumption, motives for use, and symptoms of depression and sleep problems. Network analysis assessed item-level connections, while structural equation modeling (SEM) tested both direct and indirect pathways among the variables.
Results
Nearly 72% of students reported caffeine consumption. The SEM analysis revealed that CUD had a significant direct effect on sleep problems (p<0.001) and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Strong connections were identified among CUD symptoms, particularly impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite harm.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while caffeine consumption is widespread among university students, its relationship with sleep problems is complex and mediated by depressive symptoms. The effect size of CUD on sleep problems is statistically significant but may not be clinically meaningful without further longitudinal data. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study and the specific demographic focus, which may not represent broader populations.
Key findings
- 72% of students reported consuming caffeine.
- CUD had a significant direct effect on sleep problems, p<0.001.
- CUD had an indirect effect on sleep problems through depressive symptoms, p<0.001.
- Strong connections among CUD symptoms included impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite harm.
- Craving and self-reward motives acted as key bridge nodes.
Limitations
- cross-sectional design limits causal inferences
- population restricted to university students may not generalize
- self-reported data may introduce bias
- not all potential confounding factors were controlled