Objective: Examine caffeine-consumption behaviors (CCB) and contributing factors catering to potential risk practices of CCB pattern among the working-age population.

Material and Method: This cross-sectional analytical research study used multi-stage random sampling included 1,321 out of 3,332 working-age participants in rural communities in northeastern Thailand. Data collection used a caffeine consumption survey interview guide and a seven-day-caffeine consumption diary. Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, binary logistic regression, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results: The results showed that 39.6% of the working-age population in the rural communities consumed caffeine. Their age ranged from 15 to 59 years with a mean ± SD of 40.2±8.3 years. The woman comprised 49.4% of the group. They consumed caffeine on an average ± SD of 302.5±176.9 mg/day. Sixty-seven point four percent of them were everyday caffeine users. Their caffeine sources were from coffee, energy drinks, chocolate milk, cocoa drinks, carbonated soft drinks, and tea drinks. Their potential “at risk” practices of CCB included excessive consumption of caffeine greater than 300 mg/day (44.7%), frequent consumption of caffeine (67.4%), modification of caffeine consumption method by mixing it with other substances (44.4%), and consumption of caffeine while having illness (29.1%). Income, status in a household, and occupation were factors contributing to “at risk” practices of CCB of this population group (p<0.01-0.05).

Conclusion: Rural working-age residents in northeastern Thailand were potentially vulnerable for adverse effects from their “at risk” practices of CCB. Modification solutions for suitable caffeine consumption behavior should be targeted to higher income individuals and household members of certain occupations.

Keywords: Working-age population, Caffeine consumption behavior, Rural community, Thailand