Prevalence Of Khat Chewing Research Articles

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Regular Khat Chewing Among College and University Students in Harar Town 2024

Background: Khat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen shrub that is a natural stimulant native, planted and chewed in eastern through southern parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula with distribution in parts of the Middle East and on the island of Madagascar. Khat chewing is becoming a common practice and great concern in university and college students because they think that it helps increase their academic performance especially during exams and for recreational purposes. It is widely understood that the consumption of Khat creates a remarkable problem for today’s youth which is not limited to individual users; rather its adverse negative consequence is believed to be challenging to a family, the community as a whole, economy and political arena of a given nation. Objective of the Study: To assess Prevalence and factors associated with regular khat chewing among college and university students in Harar town 2024. Methodology: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted in Harar Town from December 13 up to 29, 2023 on selected university and colleges. A total sample of 371 students was including on the study. Data was collected through structured questioner. Training was given for data collectors and data evaluation done on daily based. Cleaned data were entered to SPSS version 20 and multiple logistic regression analysis was used for better prediction of determinants and to reduce bias due to confounders. Those variables with P-value < 0.20 was entered in to multiple logistic regression analysis. Associations with P - value less than 0.05 was declared as statistically significant. Result: The Prevalence of khat chewing on this study was 57.4%. In multivariable analysis marital status, religion, Peers who chew khat, peers who smoke cigarette, students whose lives in rented house, Smoke cigarette while chewing chat, currently drink alcohol were associated with outcome variables. Conclusion and Recommendation: Majority of students was khat chewers for a long period of time and there also start chewing before their joining university and or college. Peer pressure, living condition and alcohol usage were significant predictors of khat chewing therefore to alleviate this problem effort on preventive measure is need by all stake holders at different levels.

Determinants Of Knowledge, Attitude and Self-efficacy of Khat Chewing Among School Students in Mogadishu Somalia

Introduction: Khat chewing has been a common habit throughout the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. It is estimated that more than 20 million people in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula are adolescents. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of khat chewing among adolescents in Mogadishu, Somalia. Method: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 284 adolescents was used. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used after obtaining an ethical approval from Universiti Putr Malaysia. Data were coded, entered, and statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of khat chewing among respondents was 10.2%. Almost more than half of the participants had poor knowledge (184, 64.8%) and self-efficacy (154, 54.2%), while 140 (49.3%) respondents had positive attitudes. Significant predictors of the students’ knowledge of khat chewing included monthly income of more than 500$ (AOR: 2.145), family history such as cousin (AOR=0.347), fathers with a high school (AOR=1.75) and a college degree (AOR=2.21). Significant predictors of the students’ attitude towards khat chewing included family income of 100-299 USD (AOR=0.5), fathers’ with a high school (AOR=2.5) and college (AOR=2.4). Significant predictors of the students’ self-efficacy to resist khat chewing included family income of 100- 300$ (AOR=2.25), fathers with a high school (AOR=2.6), and khat accessibility that is fairly difficult (AOR=0.63) and fairly easy (AOR=0.55). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the adverse effects of khat chewing and the importance of addressing social norms and peer pressure in shaping adolescent attitudes toward Khat.

Khat chewing and its associated factors among pregnant women in Chiro district, eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study.

Despite its deleterious consequences, khat chewing is escalating worldwide. However, there is a lack of evidence about the extent of khat chewing among pregnant women in Ethiopia, particularly in the current study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of current khat chewing and its associated factors among pregnant women in Chiro district, eastern Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Chiro district from November 1 to 30, 2022 G.C. Study participants were selected using the systematic random sampling technique. An interview-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a house-to-house survey. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed in STATA 14 software. Characteristics of study participants were summarized using descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of khat chewing. A total of 409 pregnant women participated in this study, with a response rate of 99%. The overall prevalence of khat chewing was 60.4% (95% CI: 55.5%, 65.2%). Religion (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.82), khat cultivation (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.77), partner khat use (AOR: 5.54; 95% CI: 3.11, 9.88), pre-pregnancy khat use (AOR: 9.95; 95% CI: 5.55, 17.81), antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.41, 5.21), and mental distress (AOR: 4.89; 95% CI: 2.38, 10.02) were significantly associated with current khat chewing. The majority of pregnant women in the study area practice khat chewing. Thus, accessible and comprehensive pre-conception and pre-natal care incorporating the prevention and management of antenatal khat chewing is crucial to overcome this problem. Provision of mental healthcare involving partners of pregnant women is also important to reduce the extent and impacts of khat chewing during pregnancy. Further longitudinal studies triangulated with qualitative designs are recommended.

PREMATURE ONSET OF STROKE IN KHAT CHEWERS IN ADMITTED CASES TO ADEN HOSPITALS

Khat chewing is a common habit in Yemen and east African countries. Millions of people chew khat especially young adult male chew khat leaves daily for its euphoric and energetic effects and for the increase of alertness due to action of cathinone (amphetamine like substance) which lead to increase of blood pressure, heart rate and incidence of AMI. Khat use is widespread in some parts of Yemen, even among children. The prevalence of khat chewing has been estimated at 80% for males and 50% for females in the capital Sana'a at age fifteen and above. The aim of the study was done to earlier sage onset of stroke in khat chewing with relation to other risk factors of stroke. This study was conducted during the period from January 2022 to Jun. 2022, during which 150 patients admitted with stroke. The basic information was collected through special questionnaires for this purpose. The khat chewing group was 83 case compromised 55.3%. The study showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between khat chewing and the age group of less than 55 years age (P - 0.000).

Prevalence of Khat (Catha edulis) Chewing and Its Determinants: A Respondent-Driven Survey from Hossana, Ethiopia.

BackgroundEthiopia is a leading khat producer in East Africa, and almost all regions are involved in khat production. Hossana, a small town in Southern Ethiopia, is also actively involved in khat production and its use. However, very few studies have been conducted to investigate the habit of khat chewing in this area. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing among Hossana residents.MethodsThe study was conducted on 1700 individuals in Hossana town from March 2018 to June 2019. A structured pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were carried out to study the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing in the study area.ResultsThe overall prevalence of khat chewing among the respondents was 58.0% (95% CI 53.4–63.3) of which 68.4% were daily khat users and 31.5% used it occasionally. About 24.7% of females and 75.2% of males had chewed khat. Muslim religion (AOR 2.37; 95% CI 1.58–4.32), male gender (AOR 3.48; 95% CI 2.16–5.61), Older age (AOR 1.36; 95% CI 0.84–2.21), participants having habitual khat chewing friends or a khat chewer family associate (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.17–2.20) were found to be independent predictors of chewing.ConclusionSignificant portion of the population in the study area chew khat. Khat use is significantly associated with the Muslim religion, gender, age, and habit of family and friends. Further studies with larger demographic area are warranted from the study area to reproduce these findings.

The Prevalence and Severity of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Medical Undergraduate Students of Arsi University and Their Association with Substance Use, Southeast Ethiopia

Background. Mental problems can negatively impact physical and psychological well-being of junior medical students and predispose them to many unhealthy behaviors. Objective. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical undergraduate students of Arsi University and their association with substance use. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 265 sampled medical students. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected by a pretested self-administrative questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-21 software. Logistic regression analysis was employed, and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05 . Result. In the present study, 5 questionnaires were rejected for incompleteness giving response rate of 98.1%. The mean age was 22.03 (SD = 2.074) years. The current prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 52.3%, 60.8%, and 40.4%, respectively. The overall prevalence of khat chewing, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking was found to be 21.5%, 15.4%, and 33.8%, respectively. Depression was significantly associated with monthly income [AOR = 2.13], residency [AOR = 13.10], and alcohol drinking [AOR = 1.68]. Anxiety was associated with gender [AOR = 0.51], marital status [AOR = 0.46], educational year [AOR = 20.43], residency [AOR = 58.72], and cigarette smoking [AOR = 2.60]. Stress was significantly associated with monthly income [AOR = 2.21], educational year [AOR = 3.05], residency [AOR = 4.82], khat chewing [AOR = 1.90], and drinking alcohol [AOR = 1.84]. Conclusion. To sum up, depression, anxiety, and stress are common problems among medical students of Arsi University. Monthly income, residency, and alcohol drinking were identified as risk factors of both depression and stress. In addition to other mentioned factors, educational year and khat chewing were identified as risk factors of stress. However, gender, marital status, educational year, residency, and cigarette smoking were identified as risk factors of anxiety. Counselling and awareness creation are recommended.

Prevalence and Correlates of Khat (Catha Edulis) Chewing Among Dilla High School Students at Dilla Town, South Ethiopia, 2020: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Catha edulis (khat) plant is an evergreen tree. In Ethiopia khat (Catha edulis) is commonly used for social and religious purpose. It is widely abused in East Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular for various purposes. Khat chewing has negative influence on the physical, psychological, physiological and economic well-being of the community. However, only few studies are available on prevalence of Khat chewing and its determinants in Dilla, Town; South Ethiopia. So the aim of this study is to minimize this gap by assessing Prevalence of Khat (Catha edulis) Chewing and Its determinants Among Dilla High School Students at Dilla Town, South West Ethiopia from April1-30 2020. Methods: Quantitative school based cross-sectional study design was employed. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire on a total of 332 students of grade 9th-12th using stratified sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics was done to summarize the dependent and independent variables. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version -20. Multiple logistic regressions were used to test the association between determinants & chat chewing, and P-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: In this study, it was found that 102(30.72%) at 95% CI (28.02, 34.01) of studied participants chewed khat in their life time. Among those 98(29.52%) at 95% CI (24.08, 38.01) of them have chewed in the past 3 months and out of those, 92(27.71%) of them have chewed in the last 30 days. The current prevalence rate of khat chewing from the total respondents was 27.71%.at 95% CI (11.02, 28.01) being follower of Muslim religion (Std.β =3.31, 95% C.I:2.4, 5.82), having friend who chews khat (Std.β =3.91, 95% C.I:1.53, 4.45) and having family who chews khat (Std.β =1.91, 95%C.I: 1.53, 2.29) were factors independently associated with chewing of khat of respondents. Conclusion and Recommendation: one third of the respondents chewed khat in their life and current time. Health education should be provided to students about the adverse effects of khat by invited psychiatric professionals of Dilla University Referral Hospital. Minister of Education in collaboration with Ministry of Health has to work to incorporate life skill training in high school students’ curricula.

Prevalence and Health Adverse Effects of Khat Chewing Among College Students in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Khat chewing is a social habit which has stimulatory action due to its cathinone content, but its adverse effects on health are a source of growing concern. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence and health adverse effects of khat chewing among students in Jazan region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study sample included 195 students from Applied Medical Science College, who were randomly selected and were asked through questionnaire and with a signed consent. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected in plain vacutainer tubes from 38 khat chewers and 20 non khat chewers as normal control. Serum was used to determine alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin, total protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and albumin. The sample consisted of 134 males and 61 females, with age range 19-27 years, and their mean age was 21.1 year. 40% of students were from urban area, and 81.5% of them from Jazan region. Out of 195 students, only 38 (19.5%) were found to chew khat. Biochemical results revealed highly significant differences among chewers in ALT, ALP, uric acid, and urea (p&amp;lt;0.005) compared to nonchewers group. There is also a significant difference in the total protein level (&amp;lt;0.05), while no significant differences were noticed in other biochemical traits analyzed. We concluded that the prevalence of khat chewing among students is fairly high (19.5 %), and that adverse effects of khat chewing on health are very clear, so all efforts should be contributed to solve this problem by increasing awareness of all members of the society to khat chewing risk.

Khat chewing increases the risk for developing chronic liver disease: A hospital-based case-control study.

A significant association was observed between chewing khat and the risk for developing CLD, and in men the association was strong and dose-dependent, suggesting a causal relationship; as the prevalence of khat chewing is increasing worldwide, these findings have major public health implications. (Hepatology 2018;68:248-257).

Prevalence of khat chewing and its effect on academic performance in Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Khat use is a well-established public health problem in Yemen, Arabian Peninsula, and Ethiopia. Along with its large scale production, the magnitude of khat use is increasing among students. This study was intended to assess the prevalence, determinants, and effect of khat use on academic performance of high school students in Sidama Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2015. We used a stratified sampling technique to draw a total of 1,577 students. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to determine the prevalence, effects, and predictors of khat use. The life time and current prevalence of khat use were 14.6% and 13%, respectively. Smoking cigarette (AOR=5.1, 95% C.I: 2.3-14.3), drinking alcohol (AOR=3.0, 95% C.I: 1.4-6.3), having a family growing khat (AOR=2.0, 95% C.I: 1.1-2.5), having friend chewing khat (AOR=3. 95% C.I: 2.0-4.6), were some of factors that increased the odds of students' khat use. Student's khat use increased the odds of student's poor academic performance (AOR=2.1, 95% C.I: 1.1-3.9). The prevalence of khat use in high khat producing districts of Sidama and its contribution to poor academic performance demand prompt intervention.

Prevalence, withdrawal symptoms and associated factors of khat chewing among students at Jimma University in Ethiopia

BackgroundRecently, khat chewing has become a common practice among high school, college, and university students. Regular khat chewing is thought to be a predisposing factor for different physical and mental health problems. It can lead to absenteeism from work and classes. In Ethiopia, to our knowledge no published study has investigated khat withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, withdrawal symptoms, and associated factors of khat chewing among regular undergraduate students on the main campus of Jimma University in Ethiopia.MethodsThe institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2016. Data were collected from 651 main campus regular undergraduate students with a structured, self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for Windows. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore associations and identify variables independently associated with khat chewing.ResultsThe study found that the lifetime and current prevalence of khat chewing among students were 26.3% (95% CI: 24.3, 28.3) and 23.9% (95% CI: 21.94, 25.86), respectively. About 25.7% of students started chewing after joining university, and 60.5% of these students started during their first year. The main reason given for starting khat chewing was for study purposes (54.6%), followed by socialization purposes (42.3%). Among current khat chewers, 72.9% reported that they had chewed khat for 1 year or more and 68.2% reported that they had experienced various withdrawal symptoms. The most frequently reported withdrawal symptoms were feeling depressed, craving, and feeling fatigued. Being male, attending a place of worship daily/2–3 times per week, cannabis use, smoking cigarettes, and having family members currently chewing khat were independently associated with khat chewing.ConclusionsThis study found that large numbers of university students were currently chewing khat. In this study withdrawal symptoms and factors that significantly affect khat chewing were identified. Besides it gave new ideas regarding khat withdrawal symptoms in Ethiopia. It serves as a critical role of providing information to form rational foundation for public health policy, prevention and planning to bring change in contributing factors for Khat chewing. The finding will be serving as base line information for further study.

Prevalence and associated factors of khat use among university students in the University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia

Habitual khat use has negative psychological, social, sexual, and economic consequences. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of khat use and associated factors among university students in the University of Gondar. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2011. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Epi Info and SPSS softwares were used to enter and analyze the data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors. Independent two-sample “t” test was employed to compare academic performance between khat chewers and non-chewers. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of the association. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The current prevalence of khat chewing was 16.4%. Sex, place of upbringing, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and history of family and friends related chewing khat were statistically associated with khat chewing habit. The prevalence of khat chewing was found moderate and had not any influence on academic performance. Targeted and consistent counseling by a close controller and guidance is recommended as a direct in-campus intervention to tackle this habit.

Magnitude and Factors Associated with Khat Chewing among Undergraduate Students of Adama University, Oromia National Regional State, January 2012

Background: In some countries the use of Khat is widespread. The use or misuse of Khat is increasingly prevalent in Ethiopia. College and university students consume Khat to get mental alertness and to work hard in their academic endeavours. Most of the studies concerning Khat chewing were done on community-based studies and high school-based as well as psychiatric effects of Khat: less was done among university students. Objective: The study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Khat chewing among undergraduate Adama University students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire was conducted on population sample size determined by using single population proportion formula in January 2012. By using multi-stage sampling technique followed by simple random sampling, one department was selected from each school. Then, by simple random sampling, the sampled students were selected proportionally to their year of study and class size. Questions regarding demographic variables, academic and environmental factors were included in the survey. Data quality was controlled by pre-test, supervision, translation and training data collectors. Completed data were coded and entering into EPI info version 3.5.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 16. Odds ratio with 95% CI and multiple logistic regression analysis were used. Results: A total of 728 students participated giving a response rate of 95.3%. The lifetime and current prevalence of Khat chewing were found to be 27.7% and 20.7% respectively. Being male (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.10 - 3.47), monthly pocket money (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.01 - 2.28), family history of Khat chewing (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.14 - 2.59) and friend chewing Khat (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.12 - 2.58) were associated factors for Khat chewing (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of Khat chewing among Adama University students was high compared to other studies done in similar settings. Therefore, there is a need for early intervention that targets university students to reduce impact of peer pressure, family history of Khat chewing and proper management of money. To realize this involvement and participation of policy makers, ministry of education, universities and parents are mandatory.

Khat Chewing and Its Associated Factor among College Students in Bahir Dar Town, Ethiopia

Background: - Khat is a large green shrub that grows at high altitude in the region extending from eastern to southern Africa, as well as on the Arabian Peninsula. Khat is widely consumed among the youth of Ethiopia; especially among high school, College and University students. Khat chewing is the risk of frequently absenteeism from class and poor academic performance of the students. Moreover, it has serious health, social and economic consequence. However, information on prevalence and its associated factor is scarce in the study area. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the prevalence of khat chewing and its associated factor among College students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Methods: - School based cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2012 among 754 College students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Data were collected using pre-tested structured facilitator guided self administered questionnaire. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select students for the survey. The collected data were cleaned, coded and entered on to EPi-Info version 3.5.2 Statistical package soft ware. Data were exported to SPSS version 16 program for analysis. The proportion of youth reported khat chewing was computed. Logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with khat chewing. Result- the overall prevalence of khat chewing in College students was 146 (19.6%). The factors associated with khat chewing were being male [Adjusted OR =5.88, 95% CI = (3.18, 10.87)], having pocket money [Adjusted OR =3.42, 95% CI = (2.04, 5.76)], urban residence [Adjusted OR =4.09, 95% CI =(2.38, 7.01)], peer pressure [Adjusted OR =13.16, 95% CI =(6.89, 25.17)], and parental model [Adjusted OR =4.28, 95% CI =(1.96, 9.35)]. Conclusion -The prevalence of khat chewing was high among College students in the study area. Factors that significantly affect the habit of khat chewing were identified. Colleges and health Bureau should design and implement audience specific behavioral change communication about consequence of khat chewing to prevent and avert students khat chewing practice.

Prevalence and Determinants of Khat (Catha edulis) Chewing among High School Students in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundUse of psychoactive drugs such as khat leaves (Catha edulis) alter moods and emotional state and lead to adverse effects on the health and social life of users. Ethiopia is a major producer and exporter of khat in east Africa and the majority of the khat comes from the eastern part of the country, however, no studies have been conducted to investigate the habit in this area. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing among high school students in Harar, eastern Ethiopia.MethodologyThe study was conducted among 1,890 secondary school students in Harar town in April 2010. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to examine the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing.ResultThe overall prevalence of khat chewing among the sample was 24.2% (95% CI 22.2%–26.2%). About 28.5% of females and 71.5% of males had chewed khat. Older age (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.16–1.49), male gender (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.50–2.93), Muslim religion (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.17–3.04), having friends who chewed khat (OR 7.93; 95% CI 5.40–11.64), and availability of someone with a similar habit in the family (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.07–2.11) were found to be independent predictors of chewing.ConclusionA significant proportion of students chew khat. The use of khat is significantly associated with age, gender, Muslim religion, peer influence and habit of family and other relatives among students. Measures such as educational campaigns need to be instituted to create awareness among school adolescents and their parents in order to reduce the prevalence of the habit and its adverse social and health consequences.

Prevalence of Khat chewing in college and secondary (high) school students of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundKhat is widely consumed among the youth of Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. However, its prevalence is not well documented.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of khat chewing among college and secondary school students in Jazan region.MethodsThe study was conducted in May 2006 in the colleges and secondary schools in Jazan region. A sample of 10,000 students aged between 15 and 25 years was randomly selected. Students in each year of study were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsThe overall prevalence of khat chewing in all the studied population was 21.4% (colleges 15.2% versus schools 21.5%). There were 3.8% female khat chewers and 37.70% male Khat chewers. Significant differences were found between khat chewers according to age, gender and residence (p < 0.05). The prevalence was different in different colleges and in different provinces of Jazan region.ConclusionThe prevalence of Khat chewing seems to be high among male students and not remarkable among female students. The use of Khat is significantly associated with age, gender, residence and school and college education (p < 0.05) among students of Jazan region. Strong measures need to be taken for greater awareness among school and college students to reduce its prevalence.

Cigarette smoking and khat chewing among university instructors in Ethiopia.

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of cigarette smoking and khat chewing. College based cross sectional. Four colleges found in north west Ethiopia namely Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Gondar College of Teachers Education, Bahr Dar University Engineering Faculty, and Bahr Dar University Education Faculty. All instructors in these colleges. Prevalence of cigarette smoking and khat chewing. Seventy six (42.0%) instructors were either lifetime smokers or lifetime khat chewers or both. The current prevalence rates of cigarette smoking and khat chewing were found to be 13.3% and 21.0%, respectively. The majority of the instructors started smoking (56.8%) and khat chewing (40.0%) while they were senior high school or first year college students. Most of the instructors (82.1%) knew that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung diseases including lung cancer. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was seen between the outcome variable and the independent variables faculty, religion, education status, income and family history of khat chewing. The prevalence of cigarette smoking seemed to decrease among university instructors but the prevalence of khat chewing is almost the same as it was some years ago. Instructors knew the common health risks associated with cigarette smoking. The high schools and colleges should inform their students about the health and socioeconomic problems associated with cigarette smoking and khat chewing. Additionally, college students need counseling service on ways of coping with their problems.

Cigarette smoking and Khat chewing among college students in North West Ethiopia

Background: Although the percentage of the population that smokes has declined in the United States and some other countries, it is increasing in less developed countries. In Ethiopia khat (Catha edulis) is commonly used for social and religious purposes. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of cigarette smoking and khat chewing among college students Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in January 2001 in the four colleges found in North West Ethiopia. Students in each year of study were selected by systematic sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: The study revealed 13.1 % life time prevalence rate of cigarette smoking and 26.7 % life time prevalence rate of khat chewing. The current prevalence of cigarette smoking was found to be 8.1 % and that of khat chewing 17.5 %. Forty six (31.7 %) of the life time smokers and 134 (45.6 %) of the life time chewers started smoking and chewing while they were senior secondary school students. Lung diseases including lung cancer were mentioned as health risk of cigarette smoking by 904 students. Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking seemed to decrease among university students but the decrease in the prevalence of khat chewing is not remarkable. Students knew the commonest health risks associated with cigarette smoking. Teachers in the high schools and colleges, parents, mass media and other concerned people should teach students about the health and social problems associated with cigarette smoking and khat chewing. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2002;16(1):9-17]