# Caffeine Consumption Patterns Among Medical Students: Survey Study

**Authors:** Brenton Phung, Jonathan Shaw, Seung Rim Yoo, Ashley Lai, Archana Rao, Brian Nguyen, Eileen Ly, James Hagerty, Ryan Chen, Deborah Wright

PMC · DOI: 10.2196/79077 · 2026-01-29

## TL;DR

Medical students in California consume more caffeine as they progress through their training, possibly due to stress.

## Contribution

The study reveals a link between caffeine consumption and stress in medical students, particularly in third-year students.

## Key findings

- Caffeine consumption increases with medical training progression.
- Third-year students consume more caffeine from coffee and energy drinks.
- Higher caffeine intake correlates with elevated modified CAGE scores, indicating stress-related stimulant use.

## Abstract

This cross-sectional survey of a California medical school found that caffeine consumption increases across medical training, with third-year students consuming more caffeine, particularly from coffee, energy drinks, and over-the-counter stimulants, than first- and second-year students, and higher intake being associated with elevated modified CAGE scores, suggesting stress-related stimulant use.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** caffeine (PubChem CID 2519)

## Full-text entities

- **Chemicals:** Caffeine (MESH:D002110), over-the-counter stimulants (-)

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12854690