Prevalence of Khat, Cigarette and Alcohol Use Among Students of Technology and Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Khat (fresh leaves and shoots of Catha edulis), cigarette and alcohol are widely used in Ethiopia; particularly the use of khat among students is increasing. The objective of this study is to determine the extent of the use of khat, cigarettes and alcohol among students of technology and pharmacy, Addis Ababa University. A cross- sectional study was conducted between April 18 - August 1, 2006, in the Faculty of Technology and School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University. Students from each department and year of
study were selected using random sampling proportionate to size technique. Information on the use of khat, cigarette and alcohol was obtained by self- administered questionnaires. The study revealed lifetime prevalence of 31.9%, 16.8% and 56.7% for khat chewing, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, respectively. The current prevalence of khat chewing was 14.4%, cigarette smoking 6.1% and that of alcohol drinking was 31.1%. Increased frequencies of chewing khat, smoking and drinking were seen among male students, students with no religion and with increasing year/level of study. The University should
devise mechanisms to develop the awareness of students on the health and social impacts of khat chewing, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking.

Keywords: khat, cigarette, alcohol, prevalence, pattern

Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 24 (2) 2006: pp. 116-124