Drinking, Drug Use, and Related Consequences Among University Students Completing Study Abroad Experiences: A Systematic Review

Background: University students who complete study abroad experiences are potentially exposed to\r\nbehaviors, in particular alcohol and drug use, that place their health at risk. There is a need to identify\r\nrisk and protective factors and highlight knowledge gaps. Methods: A systematic review adopting the\r\nPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Relevant\r\nbibliographic databases and online repositorieswere systematically searched for both qualitative\r\nand quantitative peer-reviewed studies. Results: Eighteen articles were eligible for inclusion. Degree\r\nmobility students (DMSs—students pursuing a full bachelor or master degree in a foreign country)\r\nand Credit Mobility Students (CMSs—students participating in short term or semester study abroad\r\nprogrammes) show different patterns of at-risk behaviors compared to pre-departure, and to domestic\r\nor non-study abroad students. DMSs mostly consumed less alcohol and illicit substances compared\r\nto domestic students, but little information on pre-travel behavior and predictors of at-risk behaviors\r\nwhile abroad was available on DMSs. Most studies indicated that CMSs increased their alcohol use\r\nwhile abroad and reduced it when they returned home.However, there is no evidence of an increase in\r\nthe negative consequences associated with alcohol misuse while abroad. Different pre-departure and\r\nabroad factors (e.g., perceptions of peer drinking norms, psychological and sociocultural adjustment\r\nabroad) were related to at-risk behaviors in the host country. Conclusions: University students who\r\nstudy abroad are understudied and potentially at risk from alcohol and drug use. Knowledge gaps are\r\ndiscussed in relation to possible future qualitative, mixed methods and longitudinal research.