MOTIVATIONS INFLUENCING CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOURS AND HABITUAL CAFFEINE INTAKE IN RELATION TO SLEEP QUALITY OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (MOTIVASI YANG MEMPENGARUHI TINGKAH LAKU PENGAMBILAN KAFEIN DAN PENGAMBILAN KAFEIN SECAR

Abstract

Excessive caffeine consumption can impair sleep quality, a concern particularly
relevant to university students. Despite this, research on caffeine consumption and its
impact on sleep among students in peninsular Malaysia is limited. Thus, the present
study aimed to investigate the relationship between motivation, habitual caffeine
consumption, and sleep quality among university students in this region. A total of
225 students participated in this cross-sectional study, with data collected through an
online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sections on
socio-demographics, motives for caffeine consumption, caffeine intake, and sleep
quality. The Motives for Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire (MCCQ) evaluated
reasons for caffeine use, while the Caffeine Intake Questionnaire measured daily
intake. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Spearman’s correlation analysis was conducted with SPSS to determine the
relationship between caffeine intake and sleep quality. Results revealed that most
students consumed caffeine mainly for its taste, with a median score of 4.5 (IQR =
1.5). The average daily caffeine intake was 225 mg, which is considered a safe level.
However, the median PSQI score was 6 (IQR = 4), indicating poor sleep quality. A
weak but significant positive correlation was found between caffeine intake and sleep
quality (rs = 0.188, n = 225, p = 0.005). This suggests a weak association where
higher caffeine intake is linked to poorer sleep quality among these students. The
study highlights the need for strategies to encourage healthier caffeine consumption and improve sleep habits. Further research is required to understand the
mechanisms connecting caffeine intake and sleep quality.

Keywords: Behaviour, Caffeine Consumption Motives, Caffeine, Sleep, Pittsburgh
Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)