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Background: Khat (Catha edulis) is a green leaf commonly chewed in the Horn of Africa and Arabian Pensulla for centuries. This cultural tradition of khat chewing habit is a growing alarm worldwide. In Ethiopia higher education institutes using khat has become a common practice in recent years. Several studies reported on the prevalence and associated factors of Khat chewing among College/University students. However, such studies were not conducted at Bonga College of Teachers Education (BCTE).
Objective: To assess the prevalence of khat chewing and associated factors among regular students, Bonga College of Teachers Education, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018/19.
Methods: College-based cross sectional study was conducted from December 01, 2018 to December 30, 2018. A sample of 650 students were selected using stratified followed by simple random sampling technique and self-administer questionnaire used for data collection. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and entered into EPI info V.7. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed. Data were summarized using mean, adjusted odd ratio (AOR) on bi-variable regression, variables with P-value <0.25 was candidate for multivariable analysis. Variable with p value <0.05 at 95% CI was declared statistically significant. Results were presented with table and figure.
Result: Totally, 597 students were participated in the study. The life time and current prevalence of khat chewing was 109 (18.3%) and 80 (13.4%) respectively. The odds of khat chewing among males was about five higher than among females [AOR: 4.9; (95% CI: 1.99 - 11.8)]. The odds of khat chewing among students from urban background was three times more than those from rural [AOR: 2.5; (95% CI:1.26 – 5.13)], those whose monthly income was above 500 birr had six times more to chew khat as compared to those who have got below 500 birr [AOR= 6.1; (95% CI: 3.06-12.1)]. Similarly, having friends who chew khat [AOR= 17; (95% CI: 8.08-35.8)], family history of chewing khat [AOR= 4.9; (95% CI: 1.97-12.4)] were found statistically significantly and positively associated with current khat chewing.
Conclusion: The prevalence of khat chewing among students of BCTE was considerable. Being male, living in urban area, those who had got monthly pocket money above 500 birr, having friends and family history of khat chew had high chance of current khat chewing. Also, the College managers in collaboration with others stake holders should work on awareness creation and the consequences of Khat chewing among students. |
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