Caffeine Consumption and Mental Health Correlations in Healthcare Students: A Cross-Sectional Study and Machine Learning Analysis

This paper explores the impact of caffeine consumption on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a mixed-methods approach. Given the high demands of healthcare education and clinical responsibilities, caffeine is a prevalent aid among students for enhancing alertness and productivity. Despite its widespread use, the specific effects of caffeine on this demographic have not been extensively studied. This research aims to fill this gap by examining both the quantitative correlations between caffeine consumption and various health outcomes and the qualitative aspects of students' caffeine use. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on patterns of caffeine consumption and related health parameters, complemented by open-ended questions to gain deeper insights into students' perspectives on caffeine use. This comprehensive analysis identifies patterns and correlations and aims to understand the underlying reasons behind caffeine consumption among healthcare students. Furthermore, the correlations and relationships between the different parameters were studied using various statistical and machine learning tools. The findings are expected to inform guidelines and interventions in healthcare and educational settings, promoting a more informed and evidence-based approach to managing the well-being of healthcare students.