Event-level analyses of energy drink consumption and alcohol intoxication in bar patrons.
OBJECTIVE
To assess event-level associations between energy drink consumption, alcohol intoxication, and intention to drive a motor vehicle in patrons exiting bars at night.


METHODS
Alcohol field study. Data collected in a U.S. college bar district from 802 randomly selected and self-selected patrons. Anonymous interview and survey data were obtained as well as breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings.


RESULTS
Results from logistic regression models revealed that patrons who had consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks were at a 3-fold increased risk of leaving a bar highly intoxicated (BrAC> or =0.08g/210L), as well as a 4-fold increased risk of intending to drive upon leaving the bar district, compared to other drinking patrons who did not consume alcoholic beverages mixed with energy drinks.


CONCLUSIONS
These event-level associations provide additional evidence that energy drink consumption by young adults at bars is a marker for elevated involvement in nighttime risk-taking behavior. Further field research is needed to develop sound regulatory policy on alcohol/energy drink sales practices of on-premise establishments.
Thombs
Dennis L
DL
Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610-0175, USA. dthombs@phhp.ufl.edu
O'Mara
Ryan J
RJ
Tsukamoto
Miranda
M
Rossheim
Matthew E
ME
Weiler
Robert M
RM
Merves
Michele L
ML
Goldberger
Bruce A
BA
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001628:Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine