Assessing The Impact of Caffeine Induced Dehydration among the Medical Students

Abstract

Background & Aims: World Health Organization defines dehydration as a “condition that results from the excessive loss of water and salt”. Dehydration is frequently characterized by thirst, headaches, lethargy, and a dry mouth or tongue. This study aims to check impact of caffeine induced dehydration among medical students. Methodology: The study sample size was 80 adults among medical students. A cross-sectional study design was used and participants were selected through convenient sampling. A self-constructed questionnaire consisting of questions such as daily water intake consumption, daily caffeine consumption and its sources including hydration status was used to assess impact of caffeine induced dehydration. Results: 15.5% of participants were showing symptoms of mild to severe dehydration. Their caffeine consumption was more than 4 cups/day and they were drinking less than 6 glasses of  water/day. Conclusion: This study assess that majority of participants were taking 6-8 glasses of water/day and many of them feels lethargic and irritated which is few of the consequences of dehydration.