The prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of khat chewing in jimma town, south western Ethiopia

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.