Khat use and risky sexual behavior among Youth in asendabo town, south western Ethiopia

Abstract

ACKGROUND: Currently due to changing conditions of urbanization and associated life styles, the health of youth is increasingly at stake. Substance use, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health problems are the greatest threats to their well being. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of khat use by the youth, attitudes and perceptions towards its utilization and other risky behaviors. METHOD: A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Asendabo Town from November 10 to December 8, 2005. Information was collected from a sample of 660 youths aged 15 - 29 years selected using single population formula for crosssectional studies. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic data, pattern of khat/substance use, sexual behavior, attitudes and perceptions related to the use of these substances. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 624 completed the questionnaire making the response rate of 94.5%. Characteristically 292 (46.8%) are males and 352 (53.2%) females. The age of the majority ranged from 15-19 years, 260 (41.7%). Muslims and illiterates, constitute the majority accounting for 412 (66.0% and 270 (43.3%), respectively. Two hundred twelve (34%) reported to have chewed khat in their lifetime, out of which 18 (8.5%) male and 8 (3.8%) female youths tried chewing Khat before the age of 15 years. Higher proportion of males (26.7%) chewed khat more frequently than their female (6.7%) counter parts during their recent sexual practice. Condom use during the recent sexual intercourse have no statistically significant difference between the two sexes (p=0.05). However, the overall proportion of condom non-users was very high. This study found that males and ever married (p=0.02) were two to three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners as compared to females and single counter parts, respectively. Khat chewers were twice more likely to have multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Multiple sexual intercourse, substance use such as Khat, alcohol and cigarette were widely practiced among the studied youth. High proportions of youth are engaged in the consumption of substances and sexual practice with multiple partners. Therefore, intervention activities to bring about behavioral changes among the youth on the danger of use of Khat, alcohol and tobacco are recommended.