Psychoactive substance misuse prevention is much needed in universities. In recent years, consumption of these substances has been increasing. The transition to higher education is known for its numerous stressors in a student’s life. Leaving home, being in a new environment, academic pressure, and more. There are many excellent substance misuse programs out there, but research has shown that there is low motivation to attend these programs from students. This study examined the effects of a new mandatory prevention/intervention program that was put in place for healthcare students in France.
This study consisted of an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey given to healthcare students attending the Sanitary service in the Grenoble region of France. The data collection took place from 2018 to 2019 and had 314 students. These students were then trained to construct a health education intervention, take these messages, and teach them to younger students to prevent substance use in teenagers. Intervention sites were held at middle and high schools, and the schools were welcome to choose one or more prevention themes.
The results of this study showed that the healthcare students’ participation in the sanitary service positively affected their irritability and decreased their alcohol consumption. The healthcare students also had an increase in levels of self-esteem and a change in their representations and behaviors regarding prevention practices. Younger students might be more willing to change their ideas on substance use when they hear it coming from an older student versus a teacher or parent. This study supports the concept that peer-led nature prevention programs positively impact all students, those leading, and those participating.
Takeaway: This study supports the idea that peer-led nature prevention programs have a positive impact on all students, those leading and those participating in the program.