Motivational Interventions for Reducing Excessive Alcohol Consumption Among University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/

Objectives

University students frequently engage in risky alcohol consumption, making them a priority population for targeted interventions. Motivational interventions (MIs) have been widely implemented to address this issue, but evidence of their effectiveness remains heterogeneous. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MIs in reducing alcohol consumption and related harm among university students through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and BVS Library, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2025. The PRISMA and RoB-2 tools guided reporting and risk of bias assessment. Random-effects models were applied to pool effect sizes for changes in alcohol consumption patterns and related consequences.

Results

Fifteen RCTs were included. MIs significantly reduced daily alcohol intake (-0.55 drinks/day; 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.32), with additional reductions in weekly consumption and binge drinking episodes, though these were not statistically significant. Positive effects were also observed in reducing alcohol-related consequences and blood alcohol concentration levels. Short, single-session formats (45-90 min) showed consistent efficacy across studies, with effects sustained at 2-3 months and, in some cases, up to one year post-intervention.

Conclusions

MIs are effective, brief, and adaptable strategies for reducing harmful alcohol use and associated negative outcomes among university students. Their simplicity, feasibility, and sustained effects make them valuable tools for university health programs. Future research should focus on optimizing intervention components and evaluating their effectiveness in diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.