Beliefs and attitudes toward substance use and associated factors among University students in Eastern Turkey

Objective This study examined university students’ beliefs and attitudes toward substance use and identified associated demographic, risk, and protective factors among students in Eastern Turkey.Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study included 506 university students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected online between September 30 and November 15 2025, using a Socio-Demographic Information Form and the Substance Abuse Attitude and Belief Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed.Results The mean total score on the Substance Abuse Attitude and Belief Scale was 40.37 ± 8.35. Significant differences were found according to perceived health status (F = 9.105; p < 0.001), substance use in the family (t = 4.486; p < 0.001), substance use among peers (t = 6.486; p < 0.001), and smoking status (t = 6.886; p < 0.001). Students with poorer perceived health, family or peers who used substances, and smokers reported more favorable attitudes and beliefs toward substance use.Conclusions Poor perceived health, family and peer substance use, and smoking were identified as risk factors for favorable attitudes toward substance use, whereas positive health perception, nonsmoking, and the absence of substance use in close social environments were protective factors. These findings support the development of targeted preventive psychoeducational interventions.