Chewing Khat is one of the leading causes of mental disorders in Ethiopia. An alarming increase in Khat chewing among adults since the early 1990s was reported. Studies have shown that starting chewing Khat early in life is associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects. The objective of the study: This study was conducted to measure the increase in Khat chewing among students at Dire Dawa University students in Dire Dawa City, identify the natural causes of the problem, and demonstrate students' knowledge of the effects of Khat chewing.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Material and Methods
3. Statistical Analysis
4. Result and Discussion
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to quantify the prevalence of khat chewing among students at Dire Dawa University in Ethiopia, investigate the underlying causes of this habit, and assess the students' level of awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with regular khat consumption.
- Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of khat chewing.
- Primary triggers and psychological drivers for consumption.
- Assessment of health knowledge and perception of addictive potential.
- Impact of academic life and family history on substance use.
- Development of strategies for prevention and educational intervention.
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction:
Khat or qat is a flowering plant native to the East Hararghe Zone and the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. The khat law varies by region. In many countries, khat may not be a controlled substance but may be illegal under normal laws. It is directly regulated in certain countries including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In contrast, their production, sale, and use are legal in countries where their use is customary in those cultures, including Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. In Israel, which retains the population of Yemenite Jews, the use of plant leaves in natural conditions is only permitted. [1]
The use of Khat causes little excitement and happiness, similar to that given to strong coffee. [2] People talk a lot under the influence of the plant. Animal studies have shown that khat causes an increase in motor activity. [3] The effects of oral administration of cathinone occur much faster than the effects of amphetamine pills; about 15 minutes compared to 30 minutes on amphetamine. Khat can cause male behavior and excessive behavior, with similar effects to those produced by amphetamine. [4]
Consumption of khat leads to constipation. Exhausted students (mydriasis) are prominent during the use of khat, which shows the effects of drug therapy, which also shows increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term use can reduce permanent tooth decay (greenish tinge), ulcers, and decreased sex drive.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section provides an overview of khat, its legal status globally and regionally, and its physiological and psychological effects on users.
Material and Methods: This chapter describes the research design, participant recruitment process, and the specific variables collected through interviews for the cross-sectional study.
Statistical Analysis: This section outlines the analytical software used for data processing and the significance thresholds applied to the collected information.
Result and Discussion: This chapter presents the statistical distribution of khat usage among students and examines the correlations between usage habits and student characteristics.
Conclusion: This final section reflects on the severity of the problem and advocates for the implementation of anti-chewing education and public awareness campaigns within the university curriculum.
Keywords
Chewing Khat, Health effects, Dire Dawa University students, Substance abuse, Ethiopia, Cathinone, Student health, Academic achievement, Peer pressure, Public health, Addiction, Mental health, Khat consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying the prevalence, contributing factors, and associated health perceptions of khat chewing among the student population at Dire Dawa University.
Which demographic and social factors are considered central to this study?
The study examines gender differences, family history of substance use, academic level, and residential status as key variables influencing the khat-chewing habit.
What is the main objective of the conducted research?
The main objective is to measure the growth of khat use among university students, determine the natural drivers of this problem, and gauge student understanding of its adverse effects.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The research employed a cross-sectional approach involving personal interviews and structured questionnaires with a sample size of 302 students, followed by statistical analysis using SPSS.
What topics are explored in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the physiological effects of khat, data on the frequency and patterns of use, and the correlation between socioeconomic status and chewing behavior.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Chewing Khat, Health effects, Dire Dawa University students, and substance addiction.
How significant is the gender difference in khat usage according to the findings?
The study found a highly significant difference, with 88.2% of the khat-chewing respondents being male (P <0.001).
Do the students generally recognize the risks associated with khat?
Yes, the majority of surveyed students (82.4%) acknowledge that chewing khat is hazardous to their health.
What recommendation does the author provide for future intervention?
The author suggests that anti-khat education should be integrated into degree courses and that proactive anti-chewing campaigns should be launched to prevent future health problems.
What percentage of students reported an intention to stop the habit?
According to the findings, 66.7% of the students who chew khat reported that they intend to stop the habit.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mustefa Jibril (Autor:in), 2021, Chewing Khat Habit among Students of Dire Dawa University, Ethiopia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1127994
