Academic Stress and Substance Use in Zambian Christian Universities: Implications for Integrated Pastoral–Psychological Care

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between academic stress and substance use within Zambian Christian universities, with specific attention to implications for integrated pastoral–psychological care. Faith-based institutions emphasize spiritual formation, but little evidence shows how academic stress affects alcohol and marijuana use. This mixed-methods study examined student substance use patterns and institutional mental health responses across three Christian universities in Zambia: Rusangu University, Eden University, and DMI–St Eugene University.