Browsing by Author "Gadisa, Megersa"

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    Assessment of the Determinants and Associated Risks of Khat Chewing Among Students of the University of Ambo Woliso Campus
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-11) Gadisa, Megersa; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)
    Students of higher educational institutions are at higher risk of khat chewing. Khat chewing is one of the serious socio-economic and public health problems. Though khat chewing occurs in all segments of all societies, it is highly spreading among students of higher education. This study aimed to assess the predicting factors and associated problems of khat chewing among students of Ambo University Woliso campus. Quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed in March, 2014. A sample of 264 students was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested self-administered questionnaires. The data were cleaned, coded, entered into excel and analyzed using SPSS computer software package version 20. Logistic regression model was employed to establish the association between predicting factors and students khat chewing. The lifetime and current prevalence of khat chewing among the study participants were 56.8% and 48.1%, respectively. Being male was associated with khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; .456(.243-.890)]. First and second year studying were associated with khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; 3.450(1.751-6.797)] &[AOR, 95%CI; 2.628(1.207-5.720)]. Growing in single headed family was associated with khat chewing [AOR= .072(.023-.230)].Having peer who chew khat was predictor of khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; .207(.106-.403)]. The main reasons for khat chewing were to study for long hour 46%, to reduce stress 30%, for curiosity 28%, and to get acceptance from friends 24%. Associated problems are discrimination, class missing and reduced appetite. This study showed that khat chewing as a critical problem among students. Universities need to follow and educate students with special focus on freshman & second year students, on the socio-economic, academic and health problems associated with khat abuse