Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Khaled Alselwi; Aiman Alwan Azazi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Khaled Alselwi^*, Aiman Alwan Azazi

Published in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 6)

Received: 2 November 2023 Accepted: 27 November 2023 Published: 8 December 2023

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Abstract

Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school students in this region.to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. This cross-sectional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data., provides an updated overview of the prevalence and related factors of khat chewing. A targeted sample of 1000 students was recruited using stratified random sampling, ensuring equal representation of male and female students in rural and urban area, A pre-validated questionnaire collected quantitative data on socio-demographics, patterns of khat use, perceptions, and health impacts. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated a high prevalence of khat chewing among all secondary school students males and females36.4%, while the prevelence among maleswas47,8% and among females25%. The gender disparity was statistically significant, with males having 2.05 times higher odds of chewing khat compared to females (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-2.46). Employed students had 1.78 times higher odds of khat chewing compared to unemployed students (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.29–2.47). Furthermore, education level was significantly associated with khat chewing, with first-year high school graduates having 0.91 lower odds of chewing khat compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Although rural residency showed a trend towards association, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 1.14–1.79). The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to khat chewing among secondary school students. Students reported experiencing various health impacts, including difficulty urinating (79%) and dental and gastrointestinal issues (68%). Khat chewing was primarily undertaken for recreational purposes (56%), socializing (48%), relaxation (34%), and coping (29%). Students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the dangers, societal implications, and financial burden of khat chewing. This study therefore provides valuable numerical prevalence data and highlights several statistically significant demographic determinants of khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. Findings can hopefully guide targeted interventions to address the serious issue.

Published in	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12
Page(s)	99-104
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Khat Chewing, Prevalence, Factors, Secondary School Students, Hodiedah, Yemen, p-values, Odds Ratios, Confidence Intervals (CI)

References

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[2]	Gebrie A, Alebel A, Zegeye A, Tesfaye B. Prevalence and predictors of khat chewing among Ethiopian university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 12; 13(4): e0195718. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195718. PMID: 29649253; PMCID: PMC5896981.
[3]	Alsanosy, R. M., Mahfouz, M. S., Gaffar, A. M., & Kisha, A. H. (2013). Khat chewing habit among school students of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Family & Community Medicine, 20(3), 159-164.
[4]	Alsanosy, R. M., Mahfouz, M. S., Gaffar, A. M., & Kisha, A. H. (2015). Khat chewing among students of higher education in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: prevalence, pattern, and related factors. BioMed Research International, 2015.
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[7]	Alsanosy, R. M., Mahfouz, M. S., Gaffar, A. M., & Kisha, A. H. (2018). Khat chewing among students of higher education in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: prevalence, pattern, and related factors. Journal of Substance Use, 23(1), 1-6.
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[9]	Mohammed Alshakka, Wafa. F. S. Badulla, Nazeh Al-Abd & Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim (2020) Knowledge and Attitudes on Khat Use among Yemeni Health Sciences Students, Substance Use & Misuse, 55: 4, 557-563, DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1688350.
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[11]	Alsanosy, R. M., Mahfouz, M. S., Gaffar, A. M., & Kisha, H. T. (2017). Profile of khat chewers and the prevalence of Khat chewing habit among Yemeni dental patients. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 9(5), 53-59.
[12]	Al-Motarreb, A., Al-Habori, M., & Broadley, K. J. (2019). The relationship of qat (Catha edulis) chewing and teenage substance use: Evidence from a survey of 16-19 year-old students in Yemen. Journal of Substance Use, 24(6), 603-609.
[13]	Al-Harazi, A. H., Mahfouz, M. S., Al-Motarreb, A., & Gaffar, A. M. (2020). Understanding the Prevalence and Factors Associated with Khat Chewing among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study with Comprehensive Analysis.
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APA Style

Alselwi, K., Azazi, A. A. (2023). Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 12(6), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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ACS Style

Alselwi, K.; Azazi, A. A. Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol. Behav. Sci. 2023, 12(6), 99-104. doi: 10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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AMA Style

Alselwi K, Azazi AA. Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol Behav Sci. 2023;12(6):99-104. doi: 10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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@article{10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12,
  author = {Khaled Alselwi and Aiman Alwan Azazi},
  title = {Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study},
  journal = {Psychology and Behavioral Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {6},
  pages = {99-104},
  doi = {10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.pbs.20231206.12},
  abstract = {Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school students in this region.to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. This cross-sectional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data., provides an updated overview of the prevalence and related factors of khat chewing. A targeted sample of 1000 students was recruited using stratified random sampling, ensuring equal representation of male and female students in rural and urban area, A pre-validated questionnaire collected quantitative data on socio-demographics, patterns of khat use, perceptions, and health impacts. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated a high prevalence of khat chewing among all secondary school students males and females36.4%, while the prevelence among maleswas47,8% and among females25%. The gender disparity was statistically significant, with males having 2.05 times higher odds of chewing khat compared to females (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-2.46). Employed students had 1.78 times higher odds of khat chewing compared to unemployed students (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.29–2.47). Furthermore, education level was significantly associated with khat chewing, with first-year high school graduates having 0.91 lower odds of chewing khat compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Although rural residency showed a trend towards association, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 1.14–1.79). The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to khat chewing among secondary school students. Students reported experiencing various health impacts, including difficulty urinating (79%) and dental and gastrointestinal issues (68%). Khat chewing was primarily undertaken for recreational purposes (56%), socializing (48%), relaxation (34%), and coping (29%). Students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the dangers, societal implications, and financial burden of khat chewing. This study therefore provides valuable numerical prevalence data and highlights several statistically significant demographic determinants of khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. Findings can hopefully guide targeted interventions to address the serious issue.
},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study
AU - Khaled Alselwi
AU - Aiman Alwan Azazi
Y1 - 2023/12/08
PY - 2023
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12
DO - 10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12
T2 - Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
JF - Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
JO - Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
SP - 99
EP - 104
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2328-7845
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12
AB - Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school students in this region.to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. This cross-sectional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data., provides an updated overview of the prevalence and related factors of khat chewing. A targeted sample of 1000 students was recruited using stratified random sampling, ensuring equal representation of male and female students in rural and urban area, A pre-validated questionnaire collected quantitative data on socio-demographics, patterns of khat use, perceptions, and health impacts. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated a high prevalence of khat chewing among all secondary school students males and females36.4%, while the prevelence among maleswas47,8% and among females25%. The gender disparity was statistically significant, with males having 2.05 times higher odds of chewing khat compared to females (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-2.46). Employed students had 1.78 times higher odds of khat chewing compared to unemployed students (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.29–2.47). Furthermore, education level was significantly associated with khat chewing, with first-year high school graduates having 0.91 lower odds of chewing khat compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Although rural residency showed a trend towards association, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 1.14–1.79). The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to khat chewing among secondary school students. Students reported experiencing various health impacts, including difficulty urinating (79%) and dental and gastrointestinal issues (68%). Khat chewing was primarily undertaken for recreational purposes (56%), socializing (48%), relaxation (34%), and coping (29%). Students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the dangers, societal implications, and financial burden of khat chewing. This study therefore provides valuable numerical prevalence data and highlights several statistically significant demographic determinants of khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. Findings can hopefully guide targeted interventions to address the serious issue.

VL - 12
IS - 6
ER -

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Author Information

Khaled Alselwi

Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodidah University, Al Hudaydah, Yemen

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Aiman Alwan Azazi

Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodidah University, Al Hudaydah, Yemen

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APA Style

Alselwi, K., Azazi, A. A. (2023). Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 12(6), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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ACS Style

Alselwi, K.; Azazi, A. A. Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol. Behav. Sci. 2023, 12(6), 99-104. doi: 10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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AMA Style

Alselwi K, Azazi AA. Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol Behav Sci. 2023;12(6):99-104. doi: 10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12

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@article{10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12,
  author = {Khaled Alselwi and Aiman Alwan Azazi},
  title = {Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study},
  journal = {Psychology and Behavioral Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {6},
  pages = {99-104},
  doi = {10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20231206.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.pbs.20231206.12},
  abstract = {Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school students in this region.to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. This cross-sectional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data., provides an updated overview of the prevalence and related factors of khat chewing. A targeted sample of 1000 students was recruited using stratified random sampling, ensuring equal representation of male and female students in rural and urban area, A pre-validated questionnaire collected quantitative data on socio-demographics, patterns of khat use, perceptions, and health impacts. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated a high prevalence of khat chewing among all secondary school students males and females36.4%, while the prevelence among maleswas47,8% and among females25%. The gender disparity was statistically significant, with males having 2.05 times higher odds of chewing khat compared to females (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-2.46). Employed students had 1.78 times higher odds of khat chewing compared to unemployed students (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.29–2.47). Furthermore, education level was significantly associated with khat chewing, with first-year high school graduates having 0.91 lower odds of chewing khat compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Although rural residency showed a trend towards association, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 1.14–1.79). The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to khat chewing among secondary school students. Students reported experiencing various health impacts, including difficulty urinating (79%) and dental and gastrointestinal issues (68%). Khat chewing was primarily undertaken for recreational purposes (56%), socializing (48%), relaxation (34%), and coping (29%). Students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the dangers, societal implications, and financial burden of khat chewing. This study therefore provides valuable numerical prevalence data and highlights several statistically significant demographic determinants of khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. Findings can hopefully guide targeted interventions to address the serious issue.
},
 year = {2023}
}

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VL - 12
IS - 6
ER -

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