Effect of Caffeine on Pharmacy Student Performance in School

Abstract

Specific Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate weekly consumption of caffeine by students of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy and determine if there is a correlation between milligrams consumed and academic performance. Methods: Anonymous surveys were sent to students currently enrolled in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy with questions about the approximate milligram amount of caffeine consumed per school week and their current graduate school GPA. Additional questions such as types of caffeine consumed, and which days caffeine was consumed. Results: The survey was completed by 62 students across the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy between 1st and 4th year students. Most of the students had a grade point average between 3.5-4.0 (76%). The main sources of caffeine were coffee (64%) and energy drinks (54%). The main reasons for caffeine consumption were during workdays (69%) and class (67%). Using Spearman Rank correlation and linear regression, no association was found between caffeine consumption and grade point average (p = 0.5815 and p = 0.4959 respectively). Statistical significance p < 0.05. Conclusions: There is no clear correlation between the amount of caffeine students drink and their GPA in school at this time.