Perceptions and Knowledge of Caffeinated Energy Drinks: Results of Focus Groups With Canadian Youth.

OBJECTIVE: To examine use, knowledge, and perceptions of caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) among youth. DESIGN: Qualitative research using focus group discussions (n = 4). SETTING: Two Canadian cities (Toronto and Montreal). PARTICIPANTS: Youth aged 12-18 years (n = 41). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Perceived definitions of CEDs, reasons for use, knowledge of health effects, use with alcohol, marketing perceptions, and use and understanding of cautionary statements on packaging. ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using a modified grounded-theory approach. RESULTS: Youth identified CEDs as products that provide energy and contain caffeine and sugar. Compared with mainstream CED brands and energy shots, youth were less likely to perceive Gatorade, Coca-Cola, and a Starbucks beverage as energy drinks, despite some ambiguity. The majority of participants believed that CEDs, including mixed with alcohol, were not necessarily harmful in moderation and that marketing was targeted toward older youth and young adults. Awareness of cautionary statements on CEDs was low; cautionary statements were perceived as difficult to find and read owing to the design and small font. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest a need to increase public education regarding the potential risks of CED consumption, including enhancements to the mandated cautionary statements, with greater attention to the impact of CED marketing on youth.

Comprehension and Use of Nutrition Facts Tables among Adolescents and Young Adults in Canada.

PURPOSE: Limited evidence exists on the comprehension and use of Nutrition Facts tables (NFt) among adolescents and young adults. This study provides an account of how young people engage with, understand, and apply nutrition information on the current and modified versions of the NFt to compare and choose foods. METHODS: Participants aged 16-24 years (n = 26) were asked to "think aloud" while viewing either the current or 1 of 5 modified NFts and completing a behavioural task. The task included a questionnaire with 9 functional items requiring participants to define, compare, interpret, and manipulate serving size and percentage daily value (%DV) information on NFts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to further probe thought processes and difficulties experienced in completing the task. RESULTS: Equal serving sizes on NFts improved ability to accurately compare nutrition information between products. Most participants could define %DV and believed it can be used to compare foods, yet some confusion persisted when interpreting %DVs and manipulating serving-size information on NFts. Where serving sizes were unequal, mathematical errors were often responsible for incorrect responses. CONCLUSIONS: Results reinforce the need for equal serving sizes on NFts of similar products and highlight young Canadians' confusion when using nutrition information on NFts.