PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOLKITE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA 2022 GC

Abstract

Background: Use of substance such as alcohol, chat leaves (Catha Edulis) and Tobacco has become one of the rising major public health and socioeconomic problems worldwide. Substance use, particularly in developing countries, has dramatically increased. This study will assess prevalence of substance use and associated factors among students of Wolkite University main campus enrolled students. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of substance use and the paradigm of its effects on current and future health among Wolkite university students. Methods and materials: Institutional based, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted from April-June 2022 among Wolkite University undergraduate students. The sample size was calculated by using single population proportion formula and it was 370. Participants were selected using Simple random sampling technique and allocated proportionally to the colleges. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire with severity assessed by standardized fifth version of Diagnostic statistical manual of mental health criteria’s for substance use disorder. Potential independent predictive factors (individual factors, socio demographic and economic factors) were assessed. A logistic regression used to identify independent predictors of substance use. P value < 0.2 at 95% CI at bi-variable analysis were considered statistically significant candidates for multivariable analysis.Results: A total of 367 students were involved in this study, with a response rate of 99.4%. About 157 of the respondents had ever used substance in life, making the lifetime prevalence of substance 42.8% with 95% CI [37.9-48.5]. The life time prevalence of khat chewing, alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking were 30.2%, 28.6%, and 17.7% respectively. Sex [AOR=2.854 95% CI (1.029-7.916], age[AOR=3.611 95% CI (1.16-11.22)]., food arrangement[AOR=3.299 95% CI (1.114-9.76), amount of pocket money [AOR=4.124 95% CI (1.623-10.47)], fathers substance use status [AOR=4.226 95% CI (1.46-12.35)]. and friends substance use status [AOR=16.95 95% CI] were factors that were significantly associated with substance use. Conclusion- a significant number of students use substance in this study. Influence of family, peer as well as society as a whole plays a great role. Creating awareness about the severity of substance use like, substance use disorder starting from individual to community level is essential.