<b><i>Application of digital health technologies to substance use reduction among students in higher education institutions: A scoping review</i></b>

Substance use among college and university students is a growing concern, linked to significant health problems, academic challenges, and even premature death. This scoping review aims to explore the potential of digital health interventions, such as internet-based and mobile platforms, in reducing substance use among students, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through a comprehensive search across databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar, the review identified 11 eligible studies conducted across seven countries between 2013 and 2025. These studies focused primarily on alcohol use and examined various digital health tools, including instant messaging, Telegram applications, text messaging, and web-based interventions. The results suggest that digital health technologies can effectively motivate college students in LMICs to reduce or abstain from psychoactive substances. However, a notable gap in the research was identified, especially regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of certain tools, like mobile text messaging, which remains one of the most widely used methods in LMICs.The review highlights that while digital health technologies show promise in substance use reduction, particularly among students in resource-limited settings, there is a need for more research. There is a lack of robust evidence on the long-term effectiveness of these interventions, particularly mobile text messaging, which warrants further exploration. Additionally, studies assessing the feasibility and acceptability of these tools in different cultural and institutional contexts are limited. The review emphasizes the need for more systematic reviews and meta-analyses to better understand the impact of digital health interventions on substance use and to develop evidence-based programs for behavior change.Furthermore, the research points to a significant gap in exploring the full range of digital platforms beyond mobile text messaging, which is most common in LMICs. Future research should focus on evaluating different types of digital health technologies, including web-based programs and instant messaging tools, to determine which are most effective in addressing substance use among students. Additionally, more studies are needed to assess the feasibility of implementing these tools in diverse educational settings and cultures. Ultimately, the review calls for the development of scalable, evidence-based interventions that can support students in making healthier choices and reducing substance use.