Abstract:
Background: Use of substance such as alcohol, chat leaves (Catha Edulis) and Tobacco has
become one of the rising major public health and socioeconomic problems worldwide. Substance
use, particularly in developing countries, has dramatically increased. This study assessed the
prevalence of substance use and associated factors among Jimma University teachers, south west
Ethiopia, 2016.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of substances use and associated factor among Jimma
University Teachers, south west Ethiopia, 2016.
Method and materials: Institutional based, quantitative, cross-sectional study was
conducted from Feb-March 2016 among Jimma University teachers. The sample size was
calculated by using single population proportion formula and it was 343. Participants were
selected using Simple random sampling technique and Data was collected by structured, selfadministered questionnaire with severity assessed by standardized fifth version of Diagnostic
statistical manual of mental health criteria’s for substance use disorder. Potential independent
predictive factors (socio-demographic, social influence, substance related perception and
precipitators for substance use) were assessed. A logistic regression used to identify independent
predictors of substance use. P-value < 0.25 at 95 % CI at bivariate analysis were considered
statistically significant candidate for multivariable logistic regression.
Results: 330 teachers were involved in this study, with a response rate of 96.2%. About 225 (of
the respondents have ever used substance in life (chat, alcohol, or cigarette or all) making the life
time prevalence of substance use 68.4% with 95 CI [63.4 - 73.9]. The life time prevalence of
chat chewing, alcohol use, and smoking cigarette was 51.6%, 81.3% and 17.3% respectively.
Whereas the prevalence of substance uses disorder among users were 36.9% with 95% CI [30.7-
44.1] with 58% mild, 23% moderate and 19% sever. Living with family (AOR 4.136, 95% CI
[2.004-8.536]), friends substance use (AOR 9.047, 95% CI [4.645-17.620]), Social norm favors
substance use, (AOR 1.123, 95% CI [1.020-1.238]), perceived benefit of substance use (AOR
1.077, 95% CI [1.008-1.151]) and family substance use history (AOR 0.220, 95% CI, [0.098-
0.495]) were predictors of substance use .
Conclusion: A majority of teachers in this study were using substance. Perceptions towards
substance and Influence of Family, peer, as well as society at large plays great role in using
substance than sociodemographic characteristics of teachers. Creating awareness about the
severity of substance use like, substance use disorder starting from individual to the community
at large is essential.
