Use and perception of the psychostimulant, khat (catha edulis) among three occupational groups in south western Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of and perception of the psychostimulant, khat (catha edulis) in three towns in south-western Uganda.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Mbarara, Kabale and Fort Portal.


METHODS
Three categories of respondents prone to khat chewing habit were selected; One hundred and thirty students, thirty five law enforcement officials and sixteen transporters.


METHODS
Khat chewers existed within the sampled population. The relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and the khat chewing habit was established.


RESULTS
Out of 181 respondents, 164(90.6%) had heard of khat, 126(69.6%) had seen it and 57(31.5%) had chewed khat before. As at the time of this study, 37(20.4%) still chewed khat. Within the three categories of subjects, the use of khat was highest among law enforcement officials (97.1%), followed by transporters (68.8%) and students (9.2%). The majority of khat chewers were in the age range of 16-25 years. There was a clear correlation between khat chewing and the use of stimulants such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco smoking. Those who smoked cigarettes were twenty-eight times more likely to chew khat (OR=28.95% CI=9.6,83.7). Euphoria, suppressed sleep and increased sexual desire were the most predominant effects experienced by khat chewers.


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge of khat is widespread and its consumption is on the increase among students, law enforcement officials and transporters in south-western Uganda. This calls for attention considering the public health implications.
Ihunwo
A O
AO
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
Kayanja
F I B
FI
Amadi-Ihunwo
U B
UB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D029754:Catha; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication; D009790:Occupations; D018515:Plant Leaves; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants