Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors of Khat Chewing Among Debre Berhan University Students, Ethiopia, 2014

Background: Substance usage among youths is becoming a great problem worldwide, particularly in college and university students. Khat is one of the most frequently used substances among these groups of population. Khat chewing has serious health, social and economic consequences. However, in our setting the magnitude, pattern and factors contributing to the use of Khat is not well addressed. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence, pattern and associated factors of Khat chewing among Debre Berhan University students in Ethiopia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was design to quantify the mastication of khat and identify socio demographic, behavioral and social factors among undergraduate students. Data was collected through structured, self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 406 students. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted via SPSS statistical software package to identify associated factors of khat chewing.Results: The life time and current prevalence of khat chewing were estimated to be 20.1% and 12.2%, respectively. Out of ever chewers, 68 (84%) were in the age group of 18-24 years and 62 (76.5%) were male. The most common reasons to chew khat were for examination preparation (41.9%) followed by socialization (38.3%). Significant association was observed between khat chewing and family members chewing khat (AOR = 6.26; 95% CI: 2.67, 14.72), friends chewing khat (AOR = 6.89; 95% CI: 3.71, 14.80) and use of alcohol (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.36, 4.60).Conclusion: The prevalence of khat chewing in this study was significantly higher when compared to some previous studies done in Addis Ababa University. The pattern of khat chewing among university students was not restricted by social regulation mechanisms, and even, it seems a social norm. Therefore, teachers in high schools, colleges and instructors in university should follow their students’ substance use behavior including khat and need to counsel those students who are at risk of substance use. Moreover, families ought to be a role model for their children by avoiding risk behaviors.