Prevalence of <i>Catha edulis</i> (Khat) Chewing and Its Associated Factors among Ataye Secondary School Students in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The life time and current prevalence of khat chewing are 15.36% (95% CI; 11.7, 19.8) and 13.25% (95% CI; 11.0, 18.1) respectively. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that male students [Adjusted OR = 2.15 (95% CI; 1.02, 4.56)], presence of chewer friends [Adjusted OR = 3.14 (95% CI; 1.53, 6.41)], having chewer family [Adjusted OR = 2.68 (95% CI; 1.13, 6.37)] and place of residency [Adjusted OR = 1.89 (95% CI; 1.0, 3.79)] were associated risk factors for khat chewing. Khat chewing is prevalent among students who are male, urban residents and students who have chewer friends and family. Therefore, to reduce the prevalence, social, economic and health effect of khat chewing, Minister of Education in collaboration with Ministry of Health has to work to incorporate life skill training in high school students’ curricula.