The Effectiveness of Universal Educational Interventions for Prevention of Illicit Drug Use among University Students: A Systematic Review

Kamyar  Ghani; Jaleh Gholami; Ghazal  Mousavian; Masoumeh  Amin-Esmaeili; Hassan  Rafiey; Nasim  Vousooghi; Behrang  Shadloo; Afarin  Rahimi-Movaghar

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14682

Kamyar Ghani Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Jaleh Gholami Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ghazal Mousavian Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Masoumeh Amin-Esmaeili Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hassan Rafiey Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasim Vousooghi Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behrang Shadloo Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14682

Keywords: Prevention; University-based programs; Illicit drug use; Systematic review; Effectiveness

Abstract

Background: The extent of illicit drug use among university students necessitates effective preventive programs. To identify and assess the effectiveness of university-based interventions in preventing or reducing illicit drug use.

Methods: The MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, ISI (Web of Science), and other sources were searched according to the Cochrane Collaboration method. RCTs, CRTs and non- RCTs evaluating university-based interventions designed to prevent illicit drug use were reviewed. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of the publications was assessed. Interventions were classified by type, provider, duration, and theoretical background.

Results: Of 6652 papers, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria that were conducted between 1987 and 2020. The effectiveness of interventions was different. Substantial heterogeneity among the studies prevented the integration of results for estimating summaries.

Conclusion: Despite the importance of the subject, there is a paucity of studies about specific educational programs for illicit drug use, indicating the necessity of further research in other countries.