Abstract:
Background: Khat (Catha edulis forsk) contains a psychoactive substance, 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, physiological and
economical well being of the community under its usage. The aim of this study was to
determine the prevalence and sociodemographic profile of khat use in Jimma town.
Methods: In this study, across-sectional house-to-house survey on 1000 adults was
conducted in Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, from January to September 2000.
Results: Out of the total 1000 study subjects, 51.9% were male, 61.2% Muslims, 54.3%
Oromos, 65.9% were in the age group between 16-35, 74.2% were literates and 49.2%
were married. The prevalence of khat chewing was 30.6%. More males (60.1%) than
females, Muslims (77.1%) more than Christians, Oromos (64.7%) more than other
ethnic groups, married (50.3%) more than singles, literates (72.9%) more than
illiterates, unemployed plus housewives (43.6%) more than government employees
(18.3%) and students (18.3%) were found to be khat chewers. Among the khat chewers,
57.8% were regular daily khat chewers and 81.4% have started khat chewing before two
years. The amount of khat consumed at a time was roughly estimated as per cost in birr.
About 76.1% of the chewers consumed khat that costs 1-5 Birr. About 32.4 % of the
chewers were smoking cigarettes during khat chewing, 78.8% of the chewers drink
coffee during chewing and 27.8% of them used to take alcohol after khat chewing.
Conclusion: Gender, religion, age group, ethnicity, educational level, occupation,
smoking, and coffee consumption showed a strong association with the habit of khat
chewing.
