Unravelling the myth: A cross-sectional study on coffee consumption among anesthesiologists in France

Abstract

It is a common preconception in France that anesthesiologists consume the largest amounts of coffee. This study is aimed to evaluate the relation between working in anesthesiology and increased coffee consumption. Cross-sectional, multicentric study carried out on anesthesiology professionals in France including anesthesiologists (residents and seniors) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (nurses and students). We performed a paper-based and a web-based survey among participants in the period from January 31, 2020, until March 31, 2020. Data were recorded for each participant including, demographics, function, place of work, and details of coffee consumption. Coffee consumption. We considered the hypothesis to be statistically significant if P < .01. F test was performed to evaluate the variance between different populations. A total of 690 anesthesiology professionals participated in this survey. Average caffeine consumption within anesthesiology team is 308 ± 168 mg/d in the daily operating room and 359 ± 200 in on-call duties. The is a statistically significant increase in caffeine consumption during work in anesthesiology (P < .001). Evolution of coffee consumption were more important in daily operating room than in on-call duties with F test of 118.54 and 205.14, respectively. The majority of respondents (74%) enjoyed coffee for pleasure, while 12% drank it to boost alertness. However, 71% noticed no improvement in attention after consumption. Caffeine dependence symptoms were seen in only 5% of all respondents and 11% of those who consumed 600 mg or more of caffeine daily. Working in the field of anesthesiology seems to be associated with increased coffee consumption, however average coffee consumption among anesthesiologist in France is considered safe. These findings underscore the importance of carefully managing working conditions, shift schedules, and working hours for anesthesiologists to lessen potential risks associated with excessive caffeine intake.