A Cluster of Risks: Correlates of Energy Drink Consumption with Smoking, Diet, and Burnout in the Polish Adult Population

Background: We examined the prevalence and correlates of energy drink (ED) consumption in Polish adults using an archival, nationally sourced dataset. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 120,000 adults from the archival 2024 National Health Test of Poles (computer-assisted web interview). ED consumption was assessed by frequency and dichotomized for regression (ever vs. never). Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals: an age cut-off was derived using ROC/Youden. Owing to the cross-sectional design, all estimates are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Results: In this national sample, 16.9% of adults reported ever consuming energy drinks, while regular (weekly or more frequent) consumption was rare (2.8%). After multivariable adjustment, the strongest independent correlates of ever consuming an energy drink were an age &le:53 years (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 3.61&ndash:4.01), male sex (aOR 3.17, 95% CI 3.03&ndash:3.32), frequent fast-food consumption (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 2.51&ndash:2.76), and being a current smoker (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.23&ndash:2.77). In contrast to the initial hypothesis, consumption was not found to be independently associated with education level. A strong, dose-dependent relationship was observed between consumption frequency and an increased prevalence of sleep disturbances, depression, and somatic complaints like headaches and chest pain. Conclusions: Energy drink consumption in Poland is concentrated within a high-risk demographic of young to middle-aged men and is deeply embedded within a cluster of adverse health behaviors. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive public health interventions that address the entire lifestyle pattern, rather than focusing solely on energy drink use.