Psychoactive Substance Use Prevention and Reduction Programs in University Students in Asia

Abstract

Background: Drugs and psychoactive substances have become a major risk factor among the university students of Asia due to its potential devastating effects on their academics, health and well-being. This systematic review provides us an overview about the psychoactive substances, their use, prevention and reduction programs which are targeting universities of Asia. Objective: It also highlights different strategies to minimize this issue within Asian society and culture. It also explains the underlying factors leading to the increased substance use among students including academic stress, cultural norms, family burdens and peer pressure. Methodology: We searched three databases (Google scholar, PubMed and Cochrane Library) for conducting this systematic review. We used the search strings for search purpose: psychoactive substances, prevention, reduction programs, and university students of Asia. Only full-text articles with provided information about psychoactive substances were included. Results: From the 11 selected studies for this review, 27% showed use of tobacco and related substances, 18% depicted use of areca nut, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, alcohol respectively and 9% showed use of water pipe and cannabis respectively as the psychoactive substance. Awareness, counselling and supportive environment were suggested for reduction in use of illicit substances. Conclusions: Deriving the evidence from both qualitative and quantitative studies, this research puts an emphasis on making interventions that helps the students regarding this critical issue. It also proposes recommendations for future programs including awareness campaigns, educational workshops, counseling services and policy changes.