The effect of solution-focused approach on the self-control and substance use risk level of nursing students at the risk of substance use

The main purpose of the study is to examine the effects of a solution-focused psychoeducation program developed for university students with a high risk of substance use on their substance use risk level and self-control level. The study targets university students who fall within the age range where substance use is most prevalent and who are at high risk for substance use. The aim is to assess how this program influences substance use risk and self-control levels among students. This study was conducted using a single-center pretest-posttest weak experimental design with repeated measures and randomized controlled, single-blind (participant-masked) methodology. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Firat University, between November 2023 and June 2024. The universe of the study consists of nursing students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Fırat University. Since there is an internship program in the nursing department, fourth-year students were not included in the study. Therefore, the research aims to include a total of 570 active students from the first, second, and third year of the Nursing Department at Fırat University Faculty of Health Sciences. After completing the initial screening with 413 students who agreed to participate in the study, 40 students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups in the second phase of the research. An initial test was administered to both groups, followed by a 40-minute, 7-session program for the experimental group over a 6-week period. Post-program assessments were conducted, and follow-up tests were administered 6 weeks later. Data collection involved the use of a Personal Information Form, Substance Use Risk Profile Scale, and Self-Control Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, percentages, means, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance for repeated measures. In the experimental group, there was a significant difference in the mean scores of substance use risk profile scale and its sub-dimensions, as well as in the total mean scores of the self-control scale between post-test and follow-up test values compared to the control group (p<0.05). It was observed that the total mean scores of the substance use risk profile scale significantly decreased, while the total mean scores of the self-control scale significantly increased among students in the experimental group (p<0.05). It was found that the solution-focused approach applied to university students at risk of substance use reduced their substance use risk profile level while increasing their self-control level. The use of a solution-focused approach is recommended in preventive health services