Caffeine Consumption: Its Effects on the Academic Performance of the FEU

Second Year BS Medical Technology Students

______________________________

A Research Paper

Presented to

Prof. Ramil A Mondejar

Department of English

Far Eastern University

______________________________

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements

in English 2

by

Ramirez, Camille M.

Silva, Maricar C.

Tañedo, Keana Gabrielle S.

July 31, 2013

 CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Caffeine consumption is a disease--- a bacteria that continuously proliferates in

the society today. In a glance of the remnants of the past up to the contemporary world

in the present, intake of caffeinated foods is indeed a trend among people of all ages.

Known for its stimulating effects, caffeine is consumed by individuals for its induction of

temporary improvements in either mental or physical functions or both. Coffees,

chocolates and teas are examples of caffeine-enriched foods that are widely consumed

by many.

Intake of foods comes with either beneficial or adverse effects. In the light of

knowing the outcomes of caffeine consumption, the research study will be conducted,

also in order to garner more knowledge about the effects of caffeine intake especially on

human academic performances. This will be done through a quantitative research,

specifically the survey research. The researchers will randomly select thirty (30) second

year BS Medical Technology students of Far Eastern University as respondents who will

be asked to answer a five (5) item questionnaire regarding their daily intake of

caffeinated foods and its effects on them. All the data will be treated confidentially and

will only be used for the purpose of assessing and analyzing the effects of caffeine

consumption.
Background of the Study

Humans have consumed caffeine since the Stone Age. Early people found that

chewing the seeds, bark, or leaves of certain plants had the effects of easing fatigue,

stimulating awareness, and elevating mood. Only much later was it found that the effect

of caffeine was increased by steeping such plants in hot water. Many cultures have

legends that attribute the discovery of such plants to people living many thousands of

years ago.

According to one popular Mongolian legend, the Emperor of China Shennong,

reputed to have reigned in about 3,000 BC, accidentally discovered that when some

leaves fell into boiling water, a fragrant and restorative drink resulted. Shennong is also

mentioned in Lu Yu's Cha Jing, a famous early work on the subject of tea.

The early history of coffee is obscure, but a popular myth traces its discovery to

Ethiopia, where Coffea arabicaoriginates. According to this myth, a goatherder named

Kaldi observed goats that became elated and sleepless at night after browsing on

coffee shrubs and, upon trying the berries that the goats had been eating, experienced

the same vitality. The earliest literary mention of coffee may be a reference to Bunchum

in the works of the 9th century Persian physician al-Razi. In 1587, Malaye Jaziri

compiled a work tracing the history and legal controversies of coffee, entitled "Umdat al

safwa fi hill al-qahwa". In this work, Jaziri recorded that one Sheikh, Jamal-al-Din al-

Dhabhani, mufti of Aden, was the first to adopt the use of coffee in 1454, and that in the

15th century the Sufis of Yemen routinely used coffee to stay awake during prayers.
 Towards the close of the 16th century, the use of coffee was recorded by a

European resident in Egypt, and about this time it came into general use in the Near

East. The appreciation of coffee as a beverage in Europe, where it was first known as

"Arabian wine," dates from the 17th century. During this time "coffee houses" were

established, the first being opened in Constantinople and Venice. In Britain, the first

coffee houses were opened in London in 1652, at St Michael's Alley, Cornhill. They

soon became popular throughout Western Europe, and played a significant role in

social relations in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The kola nut, like the coffee berry and tea leaf, appears to have ancient origins. It

is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a social setting, to restore

vitality and ease hunger pangs. In 1911, kola became the focus of one of the earliest

documented health scares when the US government seized 40 barrels and 20 kegs of

Coca-Cola syrup in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alleging that the caffeine in its drink was

"injurious to health". On March 13, 1911, the government initiated The United States vs.

Forty Barrels and Twenty Kegs of Coca-Cola, hoping to force Coca-Cola to remove

caffeine from its formula by making exaggerated claims, such as that the excessive use

of Coca-Cola at one girls' school led to "wild nocturnal freaks, violations of college rules

and female proprieties, and even immoralities." Although the judge ruled in favor of

Coca-Cola, two bills were introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1912 to

amend the Pure Food and Drug Act, adding caffeine to the list of "habit-forming" and

"deleterious" substances which must be listed on a product's label.

The earliest evidence of cocoa use comes from residue found in an ancient

Mayan pot dated to 600 BC. In the New World, chocolate was consumed in a bitter and
spicy drink called Xocoatl, often seasoned with vanilla, chile pepper, and achiote.

Xocoatl was believed to fight fatigue, a belief that is probably attributable to the

theobromine and caffeine content. Chocolate was an important luxury good throughout

pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and cocoa beans were often used as currency.

Chocolate was introduced to Europe by the Spaniards and became a popular

beverage by 1700. They also introduced the cacao tree into the West Indies and the

Philippines. It was used in alchemical processes, where it was known as Black Bean.

The first coffee house in Europe was opened Paris in the 1800s by an French-

Armenian named Pascal. Armenian merchants played in role in the more modern

history of coffee and this is the reason why the coffee growing region in is named the

Armenia Region of Columbia. In 1819, the German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge

isolated relatively pure caffeine for the first time. According to a legend, he did this at

the behest of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Today, global consumption of caffeine has

been estimated at 120,000 tons per annum, making it the world's most popular

psychoactive substance. This number equates to one serving of a caffeinated beverage

for every person, per day. In North America, 90% of adults consume some amount of

caffeine daily.

Source: http://www.scienceofcooking.com/caffeine.htm
Statement of the Problem

This research is undertaken to find out the effects of caffeine consumption on

the academic performance of the Far Eastern University Second Year BS Medical

Technology Students.

Specifically, this study is conducted to seek answers to the following

problems:

1. What is caffeine?

2. What are the components of caffeine?

3. What are the beneficial and adverse effects of caffeine consumption?

4. What is the average amount of caffeine consumed by the second year

FEU BS Medical Technology students?

5. Why do second year FEU BS Medical Technology students consume

caffeine?

6. How does caffeine affect the academic performance of the second year

FEU BS Medical Technology students?

Significance of the Study

This research provides information about the effects of caffeine consumption on

the Academic performance of the FEU second year BS Medical Technology students.

This study is also beneficial to the following individuals:

Readers. The study will provide them additional information about the bane and

boons of caffeine once ingested. With this knowledge, the readers will now have an

overview of the adverse health effects of caffeine.

Students. This research will serve as a reference or guide for the students in

regulating their caffeine intake. Also, it will further broaden their knowledge and serve as

a basis for creation of innovative schemes to achieve high academic performance

ratings.

Science Community. This study will provide information about the effects of

caffeine which will help in saving the efforts in conducting studies and the like.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as a reference point and additional

knowledge and ideas that will be tackled in their future research.

 This study focuses mainly on the effects of caffeine intake on the academic

performance of the respondents, who are selected Far Eastern University second year

BS Medical Technology students. The data that will be gathered so as the findings will

provide new knowledge on consumption of foods and its bane and boon on human

beings and other living organisms, specifically on human academic performances.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of this research paper, the following terms are

defined operationally.

Academic performance is the outcome of education — the extent to which a student,

teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. Academic performance is

commonly measured by examinations or continuous assessment but there is no general

agreement on how it is best tested or which aspects are most important — procedural

knowledge such as skills or declarative knowledge such as facts.

Caffeine is a Central Nervous System stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola

beverages, energy drinks, and prescription and non-prescription medications. People

rely on caffeine to promote wakefulness, elevate their sense of well-being, decrease

fatigue and facilitate motor activity.

Chocolate is a processed, typically sweetened food produced from the seed of the

tropical Theobroma cacao tree. It can be made into a hot chocolate drink, chocolate

candy bars, sweeteners and used as a flavoring to many food products.

Coffee is a brewed beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of several species of an

evergreen shrub of the genus Coffea.

Diet is the practice of eating food in a regulated fashion to decrease, maintain, or

increase body weight. Dieting is often used in combination with physical exercise to lose

weight in those who are overweight or obese. Some athletes, however, follow a diet to

gain weight (usually in the form of muscle). Diets can also be used to maintain a stable

body weight.
Diuretic is any substance that tends to increase the flow of urine, which causes the

body to get rid of excess water.

Metabolism is a term that is used to describe all chemical reactions involved in

maintaining the living state of the cells and the organism. Metabolism can be

conveniently divided into two categories: Catabolism - the breakdown of molecules to

obtain energy; and Anabolism - the synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells

Soft drink (also called soda, pop, coke, soda pop, fizzy drink, tonic, seltzer, mineral,

sparkling water, lolly water, or carbonated beverage) is a beverage that typically

contains water (often, but not always, carbonated water), usually a sweetener, and

usually a flavoring agent. The sweetener may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit

juice, sugar substitutes (in the case of diet drinks) or some combination of these. Soft

drinks may also contain caffeine, colorings, preservatives and other ingredients.

Stimulant (also referred to as psychostimulants) are psychoactive drugs which induce

temporary improvements in either mental or physical functions or both. Examples of

these kinds of effects may include enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion,

among others. Due to their effects typically having an "up" quality to them, stimulants

are also occasionally referred to as For the better understanding of this research paper,

the following terms are defined operationally.

Tea is an aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over

cured leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. After water, tea is the most widely

consumed beverage in the world.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. BOOKS

Aronson, J. K. et al. (2009) Meyler’s Side Effects of Endocrine and Metabolic

Drugs. Elsevier B. V. Oxford, United Kingdom.

Ballard, D.R. et al. (2011) Contemporary Women’s Health: Issues for Today and
the Future (pp. 343-346) The McGraw Hill Companies Inc. New York.

Barlow, D.H. and Durand, V. M. (2013) Essentials of Abnormal Psychology.

(p. 413) Wordsworth Cengage Learning.

Black, J. M. and Hawks, J. H. (2009) Medical-Surgical Nursing: Clinical

Management for Positive Outcomes (pp. 435-440, 1078, 1293, 1298, 1367,
1368).Saunders-Elsevier. United States of America.

Boyd, M. A. (2012) Psychiatric Nursing Contemporary Practice 5thEdition.

(pp. 598-599) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. China.

Bucher, Linda et al. (2011) Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and

Management of Clinical Problems (pp. 118t, 168t, 176) Elsevier Mosby.
St. Louis, Missouri.

Burke, Karen and LeMone, Priscilla. (2008) Medical-Surgical Nursing Critical

Thinking in Client Care. (p. 106) Pearson Education Inc. United States of
America.

Sinko, P. J. (2003) Martin’s Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 5 th

Edition. (p. 283t) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia
 Walker, J. I. (2010) Complete Mental Health: The Go-to-Guide for Clinicians and
Patients. (pp. 257-258) W. W. Norton and Company. United States of
America.

Woo, T. M. and Wynne, A. L. (2011) Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurse Practitioners

Prescribers 3rd Edition. (pp. 91, 230, 297, 396, 779, 1120, 1148, 1301, 1377)
F. A. Davis Company. Philadelphia

B. THESES/DISSERTATIONS

Kulling, F. A. and Jacobson, B. H. (1999) Health and Ergogenic Effects of

Caffeine. Br. J. Sports Med., Vol. 23 (1)

C. ONLINE SOURCES

http://www.rochester.edu/uns/healthtopics/nutrition/files/caffeine.pdf

http://www.creationconcepts.org/resources/caffeine.pdf

http://www.sciencecooking.com/caffeine.htm
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies. The

researchers read authors/writings both local and foreign set up that have direct bearing

on relation to the present study.

Related Literature

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It is one of the most popular

drugs in the world, consumed by up to 90% of people in the world in one form or

another, but mostly beverages.

(http://www.rochester.edu/uns/healthtopics/nutrition/files/caffeine.pdf)

Caffeine-containing beverages act as a stimulant of the central nervous system.

Drinking beverages containing caffeine in the afternoon or evening may interfere with

sleep. The world's primary source of caffeine is the coffee bean (the seed of the coffee

plant), from which coffee is brewed. Caffeine content in coffee varies widely depending

on the type of coffee bean and the method of preparation used; even beans within a

given bush can show variations in concentration. In general one serving of coffee

ranges from about 40 milligrams for a single shot (30 milliliters) of arabica-variety

espresso to about 100 milligrams for strong drip coffee. Generally, dark-roast coffee has

less caffeine than lighter roasts because the roasting process reduces the bean's

caffeine content. Arabica coffee normally contains less caffeine than the robusta variety.
Coffee also contains trace amounts of theophylline, but no theobromine. (Barlow, 2001):

p. 1171

Caffeine is metabolized in the liver into three primary metabolites: paraxanthine

(84%), theobromine (12%), and theophylline (4%) Caffeine is completely absorbed by

the stomach and small intestine within 45 minutes of ingestion. After ingestion it is

distributed throughout all tissues of the body and is eliminated by first-order kinetics.

The half-life of caffeine, the time required for the body to eliminate one-half of the

total amount of caffeine consumed at a given time varies widely among individuals

according to such factors as age, liver function, pregnancy, some concurrent

medications, and the level of enzymes in the liver needed for caffeine metabolism. In

healthy adults, caffeine's half-life is approximately 3-4 hours. In women taking oral

contraceptives this is increased to 5-10 hours, and in pregnant women the half-life is

roughly 9-11 hours. Caffeine can accumulate in individuals with severe liver disease

when its half-life can increase to 96 hours. In infants and young children, the half-life

may be longer than in adults; half-life in a newborn baby may be as long as 30 hours.

Other factors such as smoking can shorten caffeine's half-life. (Black, 2005): p. 209; p.

567

Caffeine (C8H10O2N4) is a purine of fused pyrimidine and imidazole rings

derivative with a CH3 groups at positions. It is a naturally occurring substance found in

plants like cocoa beans, tea leaves and kola nuts. (Sinko, 2006): p. 283
 With regard to caffeine, concerns have been raised about the rising popularity of

caffeinated soft drinks and potential heavy use by some children. Indeed, caffeine use

among children and adolescents can affect the amount of sleep they obtain and may

contribute to symptoms of anxiety. Overall rates of caffeine consumption among

children in the United States, however, remain within ranges usually considered to have

little effect on behavioural adjustment. (Nigg, 2006): pp. 274 – 275

Caffeine is absorbed according to the water content of the tissue, which

consequently results in the heaviest concentrations of caffeine in muscle tissue. The

effects of caffeine on muscle include enhanced contractile status, altered patterns of

recruitment, potentiation of the rate of subrate utilization, facilitation of neuromuscular

transmission and calcium manipulation.

In addition, a review of the effect of caffeine on neuromuscular properties

indicates that a majority of investigations have utilized in vitro animal or insect skeletal

muscle tissue. The following summary of research involves nonhuman muscle tissue

which will be followed by studies of maximal voluntary contractions in humans under the

influence of caffeine. (Malone, 2006): pp.176-177; pp. 220 – 221

Caffeine is the most common of the psychoactive substances, used regularly by

90% of all Americans. Called the “gentle stimulant” because it is thought to be the least

harmful of the entire additive drug, caffeine can still lead to “caffeine use disorders”.

Small doses can elevate your mood and decrease fatigue. In larger doses, it can make

you feel jittery and can cause insomnia. Because caffeine takes a relatively long time to

leave our bodies, sleep can disturbed if the caffeine is ingested in hours close to bed

time.
 As with the other psychoactive drugs, react variously to caffeine; some are very

sensitive to it and others can consume relatively large amounts with little effects. Recent

researches suggest that moderate intake of caffeine will not cause any harm to a

pregnant woman’s developing fetus. (Kozier, 2008): p. 353

Stimulant is a psychoactive substance that speeds up or quickens central

nervous system processing, increasing physical and mental activity. Stimulants may

provide temporary feelings of alertness and suppress appetite. Caffeine and

amphetamines are examples. (Snooks, 2009): p. 146

Many adverse reactions to caffeine are an extension of caffeine’s pharmacologic

reactions. Caffeine can use tremor, sinus tachycardia, and heightened attentiveness.

Other adverse reactions include diarrhea, excitement, irritability, insomnia, headache,

muscle twitches, and palpitations. Because caffeine is a mild diuretic, polyuria is a

possibility.

Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and delirium are possible after deliberate

overdoses. In neonates, intolerance or overdose of caffeine can manifest as tachypnea,

hyperglycemia, azotemia, fever, or seizures.

High caffeine intake has been reported to inhibit spermatogenesis in male

animals. Adverse effects may also occur when a patient abruptly discontinuous use of

caffeine. Caffeine withdrawal syndrome is characterized by lethargy, anxiety, dizziness,

or headache.

In addition, Caffeine has many potential drug-drug interactions, including oral

contraceptives, psychostimulants, sympathomimetic agents, flouroquinolone antibiotics,

lithium, and MAOI’s. Caffeine may also interact with grapefruit juice.
 Intermittent therapy or short term is what caffeine is often indicated. When

caffeine is used for respiratory depression, or neonatal apnea, monitor the patient’s vital

signs carefully. When administering caffeine for migraine or other types of headaches,

monitor potential adverse effects, especially CNS and cardiovascular stimulation.

Conversely, also monitor for signs of withdrawal. (Venable, 2009): pp. 369, 981

Caffeine is probably the most overlooked cause of insomnia. Caffeine causes the

decline in total sleep time, decreased deep sleep, and a decrease in dream sleep. The

poor sleep at night results in daytime grogginess and a tendency to consume more and

more caffeine during the day, increasing the vicious cycle. Caffeine is found in a variety

of preparations. 6 ounces of a Hershey bar has 25 mg, 1 once of espresso has 40 mg, 8

ounces of brewed tea has 50 mg, 20 ounces of Coca Cola has 57 mg, 12 ounces of

brewed coffee has 200 mg, and 64 ounces of a Mountain Dew has 294 mg. (Walker,

2012): pp. 257-258

Related Studies

According to Jacobson and Kulling, early literature identifies caffeine as a doping

agent capable of magnifying physical performance. Caffeine is a powerful CNS

stimulant and affects the cardiac muscle, kidneys and possibly certain glands. Small

amounts of caffeine may alter blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and metabolic

rate. Further physiological responses may include increased urine production and

higher blood sugar levels.

In other studies mentioned in the thesis, Putz-Anderson and associates

concluded that a dose of 200 mg caffeine generated significant improvement in visual

monitoring during a dual task of tone-detection and compensatory tracking. In an

investigation on foveal simultaneous contrast using a small circular test field surrounded

by an inducing annulus (multiplefield), Kleman and associates found that caffeine not

only diminished the enhancement phenomenon but erased it Examining visual

threshold, Diamond and Cole found that 1.5 and 3.0 grains of caffeine significantly

decreased visual threshold luminance when compared with a control group. Diamond

and Cole suggested that caffeine causes the 'on' visual pathways to become more

sensitive to light and that the threshold decreases correspondingly to the increase of the

dose.

With regard to perceptual-restructuring tasks, caffeine was found to impair

performance in novel perceptual-restructuring tasks and to facilitate the performance

task after it was no longer novel. Administering doses of 32, 64, 128, and 256 mg

caffeine, Lieberman et al. found significantly improved auditory vigilance and visual
reaction time as a result of all of the higher doses of caffeine. Additionally, no adverse

effects were observed in a barrage of motor performance tests.

The stimulating properties of caffeine have traditionally been used to delay sleep

and to promote alertness. One of the earliest investigations demonstrated that caffeine

at moderately large doses stimulated mental activity. Graf also concluded that caffeine

was a strong neural stimulant suitable for improving physical and mental efficiency.

Goldstein administered 150-200 mg caffeine in an investigation of wakefulness and

found: caffeine prolonged the time required to fall asleep; caffeine disturbed the

soundness of sleep; and caffeine-tolerant individuals were distinctly less affected by the

drug. Another study involving caffeine and cognitive performance indicated caffeine to

be effective in preventing attention lapses. (2009): p. 35-37

Adequate and sufficient healthy intake of food is essential to brain function

(Bloom, 2009; Dauncey, 2009; Kazal, 2002; Shariff, Bond, & Johnson, 2000). Moreover,

maximizing brain function is a prime factor in seizing appropriate cognitive capability –

for example, ability to focus, comprehension, evaluation, and application – in learning

(Kretchmer, Beard, Carlson,1996; Schmitt, 2010).

 Chapter III

Research Method and Procedures

Research Method Used

This study will utilize the Quantitative Research, specifically the non-

experimental, survey research. The Survey Research involves the use of questionnaires

and interviews as tools for the data gathering. This type of research permits the

researchers to summarize the disparity in characteristics of individuals or groups.

Research Locale

This research will be conducted in Manila, Philippines. Specifically, in Far

Eastern University which is located at Nicanor Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila,

Philippines. This will be performed in the month of August, first semester of school year

2013-2014.

Description of Respondents

The totalities of the respondents that will be involved in the study are Second

Year BS Medical Technology students from Far Eastern University. Specifically, fifteen

(15) males and fifteen (15) females with ages raging from 16-18 years old will be

chosen to undergo the study to be conducted.

Research Instruments/ Tools Used.

The researchers will be using or will be giving out questionnaires composed of

several questions regarding caffeine intake and its relative effects.

Data Gathering Procedures.

The researchers will randomly select/choose thirty (15 females and 15 males)

Far Eastern University Second Year BS Medical Technology students with ages raging

from 16-18 years old. These random sampling will be asked to answer a questionnaire

regarding their caffeine intake and its effects on their academic performances. The

collected data will then be assessed and tabulated. From careful observation upon the

gathered results, conclusions will then be made.

 CHAPTER 4

ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the data analysis and presentation of the results. This

chapter explicated the details of the survey results and precise visuals of the responses

to explain the objectives of the study.

Respondent’s evaluation of the study variables are hereunder presented in

tabular form and subsequently discussed and analyzed textually consistent with the

problems posed in this study.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It is one of the most popular drugs in the

world, consumed by up to 90% of people in the world in one form or another, but mostly

beverages. (http://www.rochester.edu/uns/healthtopics/nutrition/files/caffeine.pdf)

Caffeine is metabolized in the liver into three primary metabolites: paraxanthine

(84%), theobromine (12%), and theophylline (4%). (Black, 2005): p. 209; p. 567

Caffeine (C8H10O2N4) is a purine of fused pyrimidine and imidazole rings

derivative with a CH3 groups at positions. It is a naturally occurring substance found in

plants like cocoa beans, tea leaves and kola nuts. (Sinko, 2006): p. 283

Many adverse reactions to caffeine are an extension of caffeine’s pharmacologic

reactions. Caffeine can use tremor, sinus tachycardia, and heightened attentiveness.

Other adverse reactions include diarrhea, excitement, irritability, insomnia, headache,

muscle twitches, and palpitations. Because caffeine is a mild diuretic, polyuria is a

possibility.
 Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and delirium are possible after deliberate

overdoses. In neonates, intolerance or overdose of caffeine can manifest as tachypnea,

hyperglycemia, azotemia, fever, or seizures.

High caffeine intake has been reported to inhibit spermatogenesis in male

animals. Adverse effects may also occur when a patient abruptly discontinuous use of

caffeine. Caffeine withdrawal syndrome is characterized by lethargy, anxiety, dizziness,

or headache.

In addition, Caffeine has many potential drug-drug interactions, including oral

contraceptives, psychostimulants, sympathomimetic agents, flouroquinolone antibiotics,

lithium, and MAOI’s. Caffeine may also interact with grapefruit juice.

Intermittent therapy or short term is what caffeine is often indicated. When

caffeine is used for respiratory depression, or neonatal apnea, monitor the patient’s vital

signs carefully. When administering caffeine for migraine or other types of headaches,

monitor potential adverse effects, especially CNS and cardiovascular stimulation.

Conversely, also monitor for signs of withdrawal. (Venable, 2009): pp. 369, 981

Caffeine is probably the most overlooked cause of insomnia. Caffeine causes the

decline in total sleep time, decreased deep sleep, and a decrease in dream sleep. The

poor sleep at night results in daytime grogginess and a tendency to consume more and

more caffeine during the day, increasing the vicious cycle. Caffeine is found in a variety

of preparations. 6 ounces of a Hershey bar has 25 mg, 1 once of espresso has 40 mg, 8

ounces of brewed tea has 50 mg, 20 ounces of Coca Cola has 57 mg, 12 ounces of

brewed coffee has 200 mg, and 64 ounces of a Mountain Dew has 294 mg. (Walker,

2012): pp. 257-258

 Caffeine-containing beverages act as a stimulant of the central nervous system.

Drinking beverages containing caffeine in the afternoon or evening may interfere with

sleep. (Barlow, 2001): p. 1171

Caffeine is absorbed according to the water content of the tissue, which

consequently results in the heaviest concentrations of caffeine in muscle tissue. The

effects of caffeine on muscle include enhanced contractile status, altered patterns of

recruitment, potentiation of the rate of subrate utilization, facilitation of neuromuscular

transmission and calcium manipulation.

In addition, a review of the effect of caffeine on neuromuscular properties

indicates that a majority of investigations have utilized in vitro animal or insect skeletal

muscle tissue. The following summary of research involves nonhuman muscle tissue

which will be followed by studies of maximal voluntary contractions in humans under the

influence of caffeine. (Malone, 2006): pp.176-177; pp. 220 – 221

Small doses can elevate your mood and decrease fatigue. In larger doses, it can

make you feel jittery and can cause insomnia. Because caffeine takes a relatively long

time to leave our bodies, sleep can disturbed if the caffeine is ingested in hours close to

bed time.

As with the other psychoactive drugs, react variously to caffeine; some are very

sensitive to it and others can consume relatively large amounts with little effects. Recent

researches suggest that moderate intake of caffeine will not cause any harm to a

pregnant woman’s developing fetus. (Kozier, 2008): p. 353

Stimulant is a psychoactive substance that speeds up or quickens central

nervous system processing, increasing physical and mental activity. Stimulants may
provide temporary feelings of alertness and suppress appetite. Caffeine and

amphetamines are examples. (Snooks, 2009): p. 146

Table 1 Demographic Profile of the Respondents N=50

Demographic Variable Frequency Percentage

Gender
Male 25 50
Female 25 50
Age Group
16 16 32
17 17 34
18 17 34

Table 1 show that there is an equal distribution among the male and female with

25 (50%) respondents each for a total of 50 (100%) respondents. The number of

respondents is intentionally made equal on both male and female, thus making further

data analysis for the two categories comparable. In terms of age group, the respondents

are equally divided amongst the 3 age groups of 16, 17 and 18.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The researchers conducted a survey among fifty (25 males and 25 females) FEU

Second Year BS Medical Technology students with ages ranging from 16 to 18 years

old. They were given a four-item questionnaire regarding their caffeine intake and its

respective effects on them, especially on their academic performances. The results

were tabulated for further analysis and assessments.

SURVEY RESULTS

1. How often do you consume caffeinated foods/beverages?

MALE FEMALE

2-3 times a day 8 2

2-3 times a week 10 19

2-3 times a month 7 4

Never 0 0

TOTAL: 25 25

2. Why do you usually consume caffeinated foods/beverages?

MALE FEMALE

Pressure/ Stress 4 1

Celebration 6 1

Leisure 4 5

Health Purposes 3 1

Stimulant 8 17

TOTAL: 25 25
 3. Before doing any academic activity such as exams/quizzes, how much caffeinated

foods/beverages do you consume?

MALE FEMALE

A little 7 5

Moderate 7 13

A lot 3 2

Not at all 8 5

TOTAL: 25 25

4. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest, rate the

effectiveness of caffeine in the success of the following academic activities:

a. Exams or Quizzes 1 2 3 4 5
MALE 1 6 10 7 1
FEMALE 2 2 10 9 2
b. Recitation 1 2 3 4 5
MALE 2 9 13 1 0
FEMALE 2 4 15 3 1
c. Projects/Assignments 1 2 3 4 5
MALE 1 8 8 7 1
FEMALE 3 2 13 5 2
d. Comprehension of
Current Topics in 1 2 3 4 5
Subjects
MALE 2 7 10 6 0
FEMALE 3 2 12 8 0
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Caffeine consumption truly has become a trend among people of all ages.

Caffeine is found in a wide range of foods that are regularly consumed by humans.

Popular examples of these caffeinated foods would be coffee and chocolates. Caffeine

in dominance it was known for its stimulating effects that induct temporary

improvements in either mental or physical functions of the body. In the light of knowing

the beneficial and adverse effects of caffeine consumption, especially in the aspect of

academic performances, this research was conducted. This research will be beneficial

to readers, students, science community, and to future researchers.

Caffeine is the most common of the psychoactive substances, used regularly by

90% of all Americans. Called the “gentle stimulant” because it is thought to be the least

harmful of the entire additive drug, caffeine can still lead to “caffeine use disorders”.

Small doses can elevate your mood and decrease fatigue. In larger doses, it can make

you feel jittery and can cause insomnia. Because caffeine takes a relatively long time to

leave our bodies, sleep can disturbed if the caffeine is ingested in hours close to bed

time. As with the other psychoactive drugs, react variously to caffeine; some are very

sensitive to it and others can consume relatively large amounts with little effects. Recent

researches suggest that moderate intake of caffeine will not cause any harm to a

pregnant woman’s developing fetus. ( Kozier, 2008): p. 353

 This research utilized the Quantitative Research, specifically the non-

experimental, survey research. The study was conducted in Far Eastern University,

located at Nicanor Reyes St. Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. It was performed on the

month of August, first semester of school year 2013-2014. The researchers used survey

questionnaires as tools for this study. The researchers randomly selected fifty (50)

respondents to answer the questionnaires. The totalities of the respondents included

FEU Second Year BS Medical Technology students. Specifically, the respondents were

25 males and 25 females, with ages ranging from 16 to 18 years old. They were asked

to answer questionnaires regarding their caffeine intake and its effects on them. From

their answers, conclusions were drawn.

The gathered data were all tabulated for an efficient and easy analysis and

assessment. The problems stated in Chapter 1 were answered with the help of the

results of the survey conducted. Graphs and charts were made to make a clearer and

more efficient presentation of the data gathered and the tallied results. To be able to

assess the results fairly, specific statistical tests were utilized. In the case of this study,

standard deviation was used. The tallied results shown that in terms of intake

caffeinated food and beverages, female and male Medical Technology students usually

consume 2 to 3 times a week. The frequency of female medical technology students

topples over the number of male medical technology students in terms of their rate of

caffeine consumption.

Conclusions were drawn after tallying and assessing the results of the conducted

survey. The researchers concluded that caffeine consumption brings about moderate
beneficial effects especially with the success in the academic performance of the FEU

second year BS Medical Technology students.

Conclusions

Based from the data gathered and the assessed results, the following were concluded:

 Female and Male Medical Technology students usually intake caffeinated food

and beverages 2 to 3 times a week. The frequency of female medical technology

students topples over the number of male medical technology students in terms

of their rate of caffeine consumption.

 In terms of the respondents reason behind their consumption of caffeinated food

and beverages, the researchers derived from the results that the respondents are

more prone to consume caffeinated food and beverages as a form of stimulant to

energize their day and are least likely to intake caffeine for health purposes.

 Before doing any academic activity such as exams/quizzes, the amount of

caffeinated foods/beverages that second year medical technologist consume is

just moderate to a high dosage of caffeine.

 Basing from the results, on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest and 1 being

the lowest, the rate the effectiveness of caffeine in the success of the following

academic activities; exams or quizzes, assignment/projects, Comprehension of

Current Topics in Subjects, and recitation. In all of the academic activities

mentioned above, consumption of caffeine is most effective in the case of

exams/quizzes and in the comprehension of current topics in subjects, while it is

least effective in recitation.

 Finally, the researchers arrived at the conclusion that caffeine consumption

affects the academic performance of the FEU second year BS Medical

Technology students. Specifically, it brings moderate beneficial effects as it

contributes to the success of academic activities such as examinations or

quizzes, recitation, assignments and comprehension of current topics or subjects

tackled.
Recommendations

Basing upon the gathered data from the survey distributed to 50 FEU Sophomore

Medical Technology students, the researchers would like to recommend the following:

 Provide more time to the respondents on answering the survey questionnaires

for them to fully grasp the written questions and increase the possibility of the

respondents to come into deliberate understanding with their answers.

 Allot adequate time to explain to the respondents the contents of the

questionnaire. Specially, the unfamiliar terms which are presented in the survey

questions.

 Broaden the study by using experimental research. Use experimental research to

be able to further acquire more informative dependable findings.

 The utilization of laboratory animals such as Mus Musculus (white mice) in

testing the effects of caffeine. The use of these animals (with the

approval/notice of DOST and the proper organizations related to the use of

animals in research) can drastically help in the accuracy and further expanding

the coverage of the discoveries/data about caffeine and its effects because:

 Laboratory animals (such as rabbits, albino rats etc…) are

commonly used by researchers for developing and testing

medicines and vaccines for humans and other animals.

 They are used for studying how animals’ and humans’ bodies

function.
  They are used to accurately assess the safety of chemicals, such

as pesticides, for their possible effects on human health or the

environment.

 Conduct a qualitative comparative research between the psychological effects of

alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine on men and women.

 In conducting experimental research, the researchers must use advance facilities

to lessen the percentage of human error that will occur in the results.

 Have a much more suitable number of samples (unlike our limited number of

samples); the more the better. As the quantity of the random sample of people

increase, the amount of precision and accuracy of results will increase as well.