Factors influencing substance use preventive behavior among university students in Eastern Thailand

A cross-sectional study explored determinants of substance use preventive behavior among university students in an eastern province of Thailand. Data collection was performed between February and March 2024, using a self-administrated and pre-tested questionnaire. This was conducted utilizing a simple random sampling method, recruiting 450 university students (<i>M</i> = 20.26, SD = 1.32). Previous substance use experience was reported by around 40.89%, with alcohol the most used substance (41.11%). Individual parameters of adversity quotient, family connectedness, social support, and gaming addiction were identified as significant predictors of preventive behaviors with a 30.40% explanatory power of the variance, (<i>R²</i> = 0.304, <i>F (4, 443)</i> = 48.50, <i>p</i> < .001). Results pointed to the need for evidence-based efforts designed to help foster resilience, deepen family connectedness, build social support systems, and increase the risk of gaming addiction. These findings informed evidence-based strategies for nurses, healthcare professionals, community organizations, policymakers, and university administrators to reduce substance use risks and promote healthier behaviors in academic settings.