Mobile health-based interventions on substance use among undergraduate university students: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction Substance use among university students poses a significant public health challenge, increasing the risk of health complications, mortality, and poor academic performance. Early initiation of substance use is linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, heightened aggression, and challenges in employment and family dynamics. To address these issues, universities are implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of substance use.Objective This study protocol aims to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based mobile health interventions to reduce substance use among undergraduate students at Jimma University, Ethiopia.Methods Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, 140 students who use substances will be recruited via respondent-driven sampling. Participants will be assigned to an intervention group (70 students from the Institute of Technology) or a control group (70 students from the Agaro Campus). The intervention group will receive three-month mobile health text messages, while the control group receives no intervention.Results Data collection will assess the intervention’s acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility using validated measures, alongside descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis.Conclusions The findings will provide valuable insights into the intervention’s impact and guide substance use prevention strategies at both regional and national levels, fostering healthier university environments.