ISSN: 2691-5731
Authors: Abera E, Bogale T* and Endebu T
Back ground: Khat is significantly associated with higher risk of cardiogenic shock, stroke and death in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Regular users of khat suffer from higher rates of mental distress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated to Khat chewing among Kessem Sugar Factory Project employees. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018. A total of 333 participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were entered into a computer and statistical analysis was done using EPI INFO version 7.2.2.6 and SPSS version 20 statistical software. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the study population. Bivariate and multivariate analysis logistic regression model were used. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) applied to identify the important factors. Significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The magnitude of chewing khat among Kessem sugar factory project employees was 50.3% [95% CI: (45.055.9)]. Being a male sex [AOR =2.45, 95%CI (1.01-5.94)], diploma level [AOR= 3.98, 95%CI (1.87-8.49)], degree level [AOR= 2.36, 95%CI (1.09-5.14)], having friends chew khat [AOR= 3.17, 95%CI (1.29-7.79)], experienced cigarette smoking [AOR= 2.71, 95%CI (1.32-5.57)] and ever smoking Shisha [AOR= 7.03, 95%CI (3.71-13.33)] were factors associated with chewing Khat. Conclusion and Recommendation: the magnitude of khat chewing among Kessem sugar factory project employees was high. Sex, education level, having friend who chews khat, experienced cigarette and shisha smoking were factors significantly associated with chewing khat. Therefore, the factory’s managers, health department and concerned bodies shall conduct interventions to bring behavioral change towards khat chewing.
Keywords: Khat chewing; Kessem Sugar Factory; Afar; Ethiopia
