Journal Article Systematic Review Epublish
PubMed: 41209824 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.163565.3
Application of digital health technologies to substance use reduction among students in higher education institutions: A scoping review.
F1000Res 14:456
Authors: Mistire Teshome Guta, Fira Abamecha, Demuma Amdisa, Kalkidan Hassen Abate Abate
Affiliations
- Department of Nursing, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia.
- College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Abstract
Psychoactive substances alter perception, mood, cognition, or consciousness and include a wide range of compounds such as alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and khat. Substance use among college and university students is associated with significant health issues, academic struggles, and premature death. This scoping review examines digital health interventions, including mobile and internet platforms, targeting substance use reduction among college students in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A comprehensive search across databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 8 eligible studies conducted across seven countries between 2013 and 2025. These studies focused primarily on alcohol use and included digital health tools like instant messaging, Telegram applications, text messaging, and web-based interventions. The results suggest that digital health technologies can effectively motivate college students in LMICs to reduce or abstain from psychoactive substance use. However, there is a notable research gap in evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of these tools, especially mobile text messaging, which remains one of the most widely used methods in LMICs. The review highlights the need for further research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to better understand the impact of digital health interventions on substance use reduction and to develop evidence-based programs for behavior change.
MeSH
Biomedical Research, Research, Text Messaging, Education, Digital Health