Abstract:
The offence of homicide is ubiquitous.However, a diversity of factors precipitating the action
may vary from culture to culture. Ethiopia is one of the oldest independent countries in Africa as
well as one of the poorest. As a poverty stricken economy whose mainstay is Agriculture, the
presence of famine, displacement, land disputes make the production and distribution of the
stimulant herb, khat preponderant. The authors therefore consider it a feasible site for the
evaluation of homicide in the developing world. This study examined the the sociodemographic
characteristics, prevalence of substance abuse and mental distress among incarcerated homicidal
offenders. In a cross-sectional study among homicidal offenders, a face to face interview was
conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and
CAGE to obtain various socio-demographic, clinical, and forensic data at the Jimma Prison
Ethiopia. The information was confirmed with the official prison, police, medical records and
collateral reliable informants. In 546 consenting homicidal suspects and convicts interviewed,
males (93.0%), a monthly income of less than $70USD (89.4%), married (65.0%), and those with
no formal education (56%) featured prominently. There was a high lifetime prevalence of
substance abuse (64.1%) most notably khat in 44% of offenders. 35.9% were mentally distressed,
defined as an SRQ score of ≥7 out of 20. In conclusion, low socioeconomic status, high
prevalence of substance abuse, especially the culturally accepted stimulant khat, and mental
disorders are relevant ingredients for the understanding of homicide in Ethiopia. We therefore
recommend further study to allow for planning of forensic psychiatric services.
