Bio-Psychosocial Effects of Khat Use on High School Students in Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Khat use among high school students has become an increasing public health concern on account of the implications of early substance dependence on the future of the youth. Many studies have been done on the prevalence of khat chewing and factors associated with it but little is done on the bio psychosocial effects of khat use. This study explored the bio psychosocial effects of khat use on high school students in Lideta Sub-city, Woreda 01(A.A). The study applied the qualitative method with exploratory purpose. The qualitative method adopted a case study approach. In-depth interview, key informant interview, focus group discussion and observation were used to collect data and thematic analysis was applied to analyze data. It employed the non-probability sampling method with both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The
findings of the study showed that khat use has adverse health effects on the users (high school students in this study) which include biological, psychological and social effects. Accordingly, the major biological effects of khat use include gastrointestinal effects, effects on the reproductive system, cardiovascular effects and other physiological problems associated with ‘mirqanna’ and withdrawals. The psychological effects of khat use include psychological dependence, major psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety, insomnia, nightmare, depression, euphoria and excitement) and other psychological problems associated with ‘mirqanna’ and
withdrawals. Socially, khat use is associated with criminal and anti-social activities, interaction
problems, wastage of time, low academic performance or low productivity, family discord and
breakdown, and social stigma and discrimination. Moreover, the study revealed that khat use
among high school students has an impact on the general well-being of the individual users and
the society. Finally, coordinating with different stakeholders, the establishment of a department
or commission (which should be assigned with different responsibilities) at the national level
under the supervision of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education or Ministry of Women,
Children and Youth Affairs is highly recommended. Besides, incorporating character count traits
programs in the education policy; filling the legal gap with regard to khat use; and expanding
rehabilitation centers for the students affected by khat use are also recommended.
Key words: Exploring, Bio psychosocial effects, Khat use, High school students, Addis Ababa
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Keywords
Exploring, Bio psychosocial effects, Khat use, High school students, Addis Ababa