The prevalence of ED consumption has increased over the past 10–15 years. Studies describing the effects of caffeine and caffeinated beverages show confusing results, so it seems important to regularly summarize the available facts, and in more detail. By a thorough analysis of more than 156 scientific papers, the authors describe the molecular background of absorption, as well as the positive and negative effects of different dosages of caffeine, just like its effects in physical activity and performance. ED and EDwA consumption is a regular habit of not only adults, but nowadays even of children and adolescents. There are no safe dosages described of caffeine or ED consumption for children. There are no positive short- or long-term effects of these compounds/products concerning developing brain functions, psycho-motor functions, or social development. Instead, there are many unpleasant side effects, and symptoms of regular or higher-dose ED consumption, especially at younger ages. This mini review describes many details of these unpleasant side effects, their severity, and motivations for consuming these compounds/products. In a quantitative research in Hungary (10–26 years, mean age: 15.6 ± 3.8 y, 1459 subjects, randomly chosen population), a survey based on a questionnaire asking people about their ED consumption habits was conducted. According to the data, 81.8% of the participants consumed EDs at least once, and 63.3% tried several products of the kind. A positive correlation was found between age and consumption (p < 0.001). The results show that a high proportion of this group often consumed EDwA, in many cases leading to harmful side-effects of caffeine overdose. In a sample of Hungarian high school and college students (17–26 years), ED consumption matched the international data, and only 19.7% of respondents did not use EDs at all (had never tasted an ED in their life).
The original aim of this study was a follow-up assessment of a recreational program running for six months (September 2019–February 2020) within controlled conditions. Following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey acquired a new goal: how do the subjects of the follow-up sampling experience this severe stress situation, and in this experience, what role does physical activity and a salutogenetic sense of coherence play. Austrian women (N = 53) took part in the training program, whose physical condition was assessed before the start of the program, then reassessed after three months and after six months; the organizers also had them fill out the sense of coherence questionnaire (SOC) as well as the Regensburger insomnia scale. After the lifting of the lockdown introduced due to the pandemic, participants completed an online survey relating to their changed life conditions, physical activities, sense of coherence and sleep quality. Results: After the first three months of the training, no significant changes were detected. After six months, the participants SOC and sleep quality improved (Friedman test: p = 0.005 and p < 0.001). During the lockdown, sleep quality generally deteriorated (W-rank test: p = 0.001), while SOC did not change. The women in possession of a relatively stronger SOC continued the training (OR = 3.6, CI 95% = 1.2–12.2), and their sleep quality deteriorated to a lesser degree. (OR = 1.7, CI 95% = 1.1–2.8). Conclusion: The data reinforce the interdependency between physical exercise (PE) and SOC; furthermore, the personal training that the authors formulated for middle-aged women proved to be successful in strengthening their sense of coherence, and it also reduced the deterioration in sleep quality due to stress.
In this paper, we aimed to define well-being challenges and how they relate to life satisfaction. A total of 112 Jordanian and 178 Hungarian students participated in the survey. Parametric, nonparametric statistical tests and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to determine the optimal living profile. Group differences were analyzed to identify life satisfaction predictors. The findings revealed that Jordanians scored higher across all well-being dimensions, specifically in intellectual (mean 4.05 vs. 3.02) and emotional health (mean 3.95 vs. 3.00), with greater social support and optimism. Emotional and social health strongly predicted life satisfaction by 83.4%. This suggests that cultural background significantly impacts well-being and highlights the importance of university support for all students.
This study explores the well-being and life satisfaction of university students in Hungary and Jordan, comparing Hungarian students, Jordanian students in Hungary, and Jordanian students in Jordan. Data from 485 students using the Optimal Living Profile-Modified revealed significant differences in life satisfaction, with Jordanian students reporting the highest levels. Well-being analysis indicated the lowest well-being among Hungarian students. Health behavior analysis revealed better physical activity, nutrition, and sleep quality among Jordanian students in Hungary compared to Hungarian students, while smoking was more prevalent among Jordanian students in Jordan. The study found positive correlations between health behaviors, well-being, and life satisfaction, emphasizing the influence of cultural and contextual factors on student well-being.
This study examines university students' life satisfaction, well-being, and sense of coherence. It focuses on Jordanian students studying in Jordan and those studying abroad in Hungary by using the Optimal Living Profile-Modified, evaluating well-being and life satisfaction, and the Sense of Coherence, measuring comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Data from 307 students revealed that while demographics affect SOC, the role of cultural context was significant. Jordanian students studying in Hungary reported stronger meaningfulness, highlighting the impact of international students' experiences. Emotional and social health dimensions were predictors of life satisfaction, with SOC indirectly influencing life satisfaction through the emotional health dimension. This study contributes to understanding how SOC can shape well-being among university students locally or abroad, offering insights into interventions for enhancing student well-being in higher education.