HABITS

Background: Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances globally, and its use is particularly common among university students seeking to enhance alertness, concentration, and academic performance. However excessive consumption may result in dependence and other health related effects. Objective: This study assessed the habits, patterns, and influencing factors of caffeine consumption among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured self- administered questionnaire distributed to 381 students selected through stratified random sampling across various faculties. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between demographic variables and caffeine use. Results: Findings revealed that caffeine consumption was highly prevalent (91.86%) among respondents. The most frequently consumed sources were carbonated soft drinks, tea, and energy drinks, with most students (62.47%) reporting daily intake, primarily for pleasure, relaxation, and improved concentration during study. Significant associations were found between caffeine consumption and variables such as age and place of residence, while gender, academic level, and faculty showed no significant influence. The results indicate that caffeine use is a socially accepted and academically functional behavior among students, often driven by environmental and academic pressures. Conclusion: The study concludes that although most students consume caffeine moderately, there is a need for continuous health education on safe consumption limits and the potential adverse effects of excessive use. It recommends that the university health unit incorporate caffeine awareness into student orientation programs and promote healthier coping strategies for academic stress.

This research work investigates students’ study habits and time management in public secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state. This study was guided by seven (7) specific questions, which are: What are the students study habits in public secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State? What are the time management practices of public secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State? Does gender affect the study habits of public secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State? How does the socio- economic background of public secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State affect their study habits? Does class classification of students affect the study habits of public secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State? How does the type of school affect the study habits of public secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State? What are the steps students can take to manage their time properly? The Descriptive survey design was used for the study. A total population of 245 respondents consisting of all the students in public secondary school in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State were used. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents, a total number of 245 (100%) questionnaires was administers and all of it (245) were properly completed and found useful for the study. Analysis and discussion of data collected for the study were descriptively done using frequency and percentage. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher reached the following conclusions: that to improve and maintain their study habits, students take notes and
concentrate during classes and do their homework regularly: understand how to manage their time properly using means such as clock alerts and reminders mostly as well as preparing a weekly study schedule and carrying out difficult academic tasks first. On that, recommendations were made as follows; School academic and extracurricular activities should be planned in a way that students will still have time to study on their own and within themselves as study groups. Government and public policy experts should make education free for all to lift the burden of financial implications from poor parents. Regular feeding of students should be practiced ensuring they are well nourished and consume foods that will improve their brain power especially. Schools through government provisions should have a standard library with enough historic and contemporary books for every subject area and an e-centre for e-reading