Consumo perjudicial de alcohol, tabaquismo y uso problemático del teléfono celular en deportistas universitarios colombianos

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and problematic mobile phone use among Colombian university athletes. Methods: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Convenience sampling was used among adult university athletes registered in a national university sports event (October 18–31, 2025). The sample included 370 participants. Data were collected through a digital survey. Alcohol and tobacco were assessed using items from the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS instrument, and problematic phone use was assessed with the Spanish-adapted Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV). Prevalences were calculated and proportions were compared by sex (p<0.05). Results: Lifetime alcohol use prevalence was 97.03%, and alcohol use in the last 30 days was 49.73%. Heavy episodic drinking was reported by 25.68% of participants. Current regular tobacco use was 2.97%, while lifetime tobacco use reached 12.97% (p<0.0001). Regarding mobile phone use, 77.56% were classified as at risk or at excessive risk for problematic use. No statistically significant sex differences were observed for the main outcomes. Conclusions: Among university athletes, heavy episodic drinking and problematic mobile phone use showed relevant prevalences, whereas current regular tobacco use was low. Strengthening health promotion and prevention strategies through University Student Welfare services is recommended to reduce these harmful behaviors.