Khat chewing and its associated factor among College students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia

Background: Khat is a large green shrub that grows at high altitude in the region extending from eastern to southern Africa, as well as on the Arabian Peninsula. Khat is widely consumed among the youth of Ethiopia; especially among high school, College and University students. Khat chewing is the risk of frequently absenteeism from class and poor academic performance of the students. Moreover, it has serious health, social and economic consequence. However, information on prevalence and its associated factor is scarce in the study area. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the prevalence of khat chewing and its associated factor among College students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Methods: School based cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2012 among 754 College students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Data were collected using pre-tested structured facilitator guided self administered questionnaire. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select students for the survey. The collected data were cleaned, coded and entered on to EPi-Info version 3.5.2 Statistical package soft ware. Data were exported to SPSS version 16 program for analysis. The proportion of youth reported khat chewing was computed. Logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with khat chewing. Resultthe overall prevalence of khat chewing in College students was 146 (19.6%). The factors associated with khat chewing were being male [Adjusted OR =5.88, 95% CI = (3.18, 10.87)], having pocket money [Adjusted OR =3.42, 95% CI = (2.04, 5.76)], urban residence [Adjusted OR =4.09, 95% CI =(2.38, 7.01)], peer pressure [Adjusted OR =13.16, 95% CI =(6.89, 25.17)], and parental model [Adjusted OR =4.28, 95% CI =(1.96, 9.35)]. Conclusion -The prevalence of khat chewing was high among College students in the study area. Factors that significantly affect the habit of khat chewing were identified. Colleges and health Bureau should design and implement audience specific behavioral change communication about consequence of khat chewing to prevent and avert students khat chewing practice.