Self reported symptoms of anxiety associated with coffee consumption among university students in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the psychophysiological effects of coffee consumption on anxiety as reported by University students. . It was hypothesized that heavy caffeine users would report significantly higher anxiety and more psychophysical symptoms of caffenism more than non-users. A sample size of 447-university students made up of 239 males and 208 females within ages 16-36 years (M = 22.7; SD = 2.92) participated in the study. All respondents completed an adapted version of STAI forms Y-1 and Y-2 which measures state-trait anxiety. Analysis of data revealed significant difference between coffee users and non-users on state anxiety. The quantity and frequency of daily coffee consumption were found to be related to the symptoms exhibited on state anxiety. There was no significant sex difference on the frequency and quantity of coffee consumption but a significant age difference in favour of younger respondents was recorded on frequency of coffee consumption. Various symptoms reported by the respondents confirmed the stimulating properties of caffeine. It is recommended that awareness and enlightenment programmes on effects of consumption on human psychophysiological responses be created by government and other stakeholders.