Prevalence and Risk Factors of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Substance Use among Medical Students in Southern Iran in 2024: A Growing Concern.

Background: Alcohol, smoking, and substance use among medical students are significant health concerns that impact their well-being and their future roles as health advocates. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these behaviors and related risk factors among medical students in southern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Shiraz, in southern Iran, in 2024. Data were collected using the World Health Organization's alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST), supplemented with questions on demographic details, family and friend substance use, mental health, and major satisfaction. The sample was selected using the stratified random selection method. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with substance use, controlling for potential confounders. P