Prevalence of relapse and associated factors in khat chewers and non-chewers among persons with serious mental illness at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

People with serious mental illness using  llicit drug like amphetamine exhibit  poorer outcomes. But until now little is known about the impact of khat on relapse of  disease in people with serious mental illness. This study assessed prevalence and factors associated with relapse  between khat chewers and non-chewers among persons
with serious mental illness. This was a cross sectional study involving 405 khat chewers and 400 non chewers with serious mental illness. The study was undertaken at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital on May, 2021. Patients were selected using systematic random sampling. The study involved interview (patients and care givers) and chart review. The study used Oslo Social Support Scale; Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Test and a structured questionnaire The study established that prevalence of relapse was higher among khat chewers compared to non-chewers (22% Vs 13%, p=0.001) with serious mental illness. Additionally, the prevalence of relapse was positively correlated with the amount of khat used in the group of chewers. In the khat chewer group, previous hospitalization history and presence of stressful life situation were the main factors associated with relapse. On the other hand, treatment interruption, sleep disorder and previous hospitalization episodes were the key factors associated with relapse among non khat chewing persons with serious mental illness. The study found hat khat chewing poses increased risk of relapse among persons with serious mental illness. Patient care should consider khat chewing as one of the critical components for intervention.