Table 3.

Participants self-reported reasons for ED use

	Emerging adult (n = 251)		Adult (n = 239)		Total population (N = 490)
Reason for ED consumption#	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
To stay awake	77	31	76	32	153	31
Helps to concentrate during study	37	15	37	15	74	15
To be more alert	5	2	66	28	71	14
To compensate for insufficient sleep	22	9	34	14	56	11
It gives long-lasting energy all day	24	10	31	13	55	11
Like the taste	22	9	30	13	52	11
It quenches thirst	17	7	21	9	38	8
It makes the user feel refreshed	18	7	16	7	34	7
Helps with better performance in the exam	8	3	19	8	27	6
It gives an instant energy rush	14	6	9	4	23	5
It replenishes electrolytes after exercise	8	3	14	6	22	4
Curiosity	8	3	8	3	16	3
To enable a person to enjoy an all-night party	4	2	8	3	12	2
Makes user feel healthy	5	2	4	2	9	2
To feel better after a hangover	3	1	4	2	7	1

^#Students could respond to all reasons applicable to them