Khat chewing and its socio-demographic correlates among the staff of Jimma University

Abstract

Abstract Background: Khat (Catha edulis forsk) contains a psychoactive substance called cathinone, which produces central stimulation analogous to amphetamine. It is widely abused in East Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular for various purposes. Habitual use of khat renders certain influence on the physical, psychological and economical well being of the community. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic profile of khat chewing and other associated factors relating to the technical staff of Jimma hospital and the academic staff of Jimma University (JU). Methods: A cross-sectional survey on 400 JU staff was conducted using a self-administered structured questionnaire in JU, Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia, from Jan. to Feb 2003. Results: The current prevalence of khat chewing was 30.8%. More males (33.0%) than females, Muslims (49.0%) than other religious groups, Tigres (42.9%) than other ethnic groups, Technical (33.8%) than Academic staff, married (32.4%) than singles, age group 18-24 years (34.4%) than other age groups, and general practitioners (40.5%) than other professional groups were found to be khat chewers. About 50.4% of the khat chewers have one or more times missed their regular work at JU because of chewing, and 54.5% of the chewers used to come late chewing khat or leave their work early to chew khat. Male sex (x2=4.01, P=0.0319) being Muslim (x2=19.839, P=0.0005) were significantly associated with khat chewing. Smoking and alcohol intake also showed a statistically significant association with the habit of khat chewing. Conclusion: A fairly large proportion of Jimma University staff, which are assumed to be models for the rest of the population, chew khat and this has a strong negative impact on service delivery and the teaching-learning process as they miss their regular work because of the practice. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2004;18(3):179-184]