Predicting Preventive Behaviors Toward Alcohol Consumption Among University Students Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background Despite legal prohibitions and cultural norms, research evidence indicates a growing trend in alcohol consumption among Iranian youth and university students. Given the physical, psychological, and social consequences of this behavior, and the critical role of prevention, the present study aimed to assess preventive behaviors related to alcohol consumption among students of the School of Paramedical Sciences and Public Health at Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 422 students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-developed instrument based on the constructs of the TPB, whose validity and reliability had been confirmed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, including Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Pearson correlation coefficient, in SPSS version 27. Results The mean preventive behavior score related to alcohol consumption was 17.12 ± 3.54 out of 20. Significant associations were found between preventive behaviors and demographic variables such as gender, field of study, marital status, place of residence, mother’s education, and mother’s occupation (P < 0.05). All TPB constructs—including attitude (r = 0.560), subjective norms (r = 0.514), perceived behavioral control (r = 0.360), and behavioral intention (r = 0.610)—showed significant positive correlations with preventive behaviors (P < 0.001). Conclusion The Theory of Planned Behavior plays a significant role in predicting and explaining preventive behaviors related to alcohol consumption among university students. The significant associations between TPB constructs and preventive behavior highlight the importance of addressing attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and especially behavioral intention in designing effective educational and preventive interventions.