Effectiveness of Interventions for Preventing Psychoactive Substance Use in Higher Education Students: RSL Protocol and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This protocol aims to evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions and programs designed to prevent psychoactive substance use and associated risk behaviors among higher education students. Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of substance use among university students, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis will include studies published between January 2014 and May 2024, focusing on interventions addressing alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use, exclusively among university students aged 18 and older. Only randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies will be considered. Databases such as MEDLINE Complete and CINAHL Plus will be explored, and evidence quality will be assessed using the GRADE approach. Random- effects models will be applied to address significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%). The primary outcomes include a reduction in the incidence of psychoactive substance use, while secondary outcomes encompass academic performance and psychological well-being. This study aims to identify effective prevention strategies, providing robust evidence to inform public policies and nursing practices. Potential limitations include variability in intervention types and heterogeneity in study designs, which may affect the synthesis and generalizability of the findings.