Matiwos Soboka
College of Public Health and Medical Sciences,
Jimma, Oromia
Ethiopia
Research Article
Factors Associated with Khat Chewing among High School Students in Jimma
Town Southwest Ethiopia
Author(s): Emishaw Dires, Matiwos Soboka, Habtamu Kerebih and Garumma Tolu FeyissaEmishaw Dires, Matiwos Soboka, Habtamu Kerebih and Garumma Tolu Feyissa
Background: Khat is a large green shrub grown in Eastern to Southern Africa and extends to Arabian Peninsula. Khat has its own impact on mental and physical health of the chewers. Studies revealed that khat chewing was associated with frequent absenteeism from class and poor academic performance among students. Although khat has harmful consequences, little is known about factors associated with khat chewing among high school students in Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 296 high school students in Jimma city using a structured questionnaire. Khat and risky sexual behavior were assessed using the questionnaire. A structured self-reported questionnaire (SRQ-20) which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to assess mental distress. The questionnaire was transla.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2378-5756.1000372