The Myth of Coffee among anesthesiology professionals in France

Abstract

ABSTRACT (251 Words) Background: It is a common prejudice in France that anesthesiologists consume the largest amounts of coffee. This study is aimed to evaluate the correlation between working in anesthesiology and increased coffee consumption. We hypothesized that working in anesthesiology was positively correlated with increased coffee consumption. Material and method: Prospective, Multicentric, observational and descriptive study carried out on anesthesiology professionals in France including anesthesiologists (residents and seniors) and nurse anesthetists (students and registered nurse anesthetists). 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 was evaluated according to Doepker classification of caffeine consumption. We considered the hypothesis to be statistically significant if p <0.01. F test was performed to evaluate the variance between different populations. Results: A total of 690 anesthesiology professionals participated in this survey. Average caffeine consumption within anesthesiology team is 308±168 mg/day in the daily operating room and 359±200 in on-call duties. Correlation positive between increased caffeine consumption and working in anesthesiology with p <0.001. Evolution of coffe consumption were more important in daily operating room than in on-call duties with F test of 341.13 and 250.63 respectively. Conclusion: 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. Continued investigation is needed to evaluate the consequences of high consumption in this population.