ASSOCIATION OF KHAT CHEWING WITH RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ITS DETERMINANT FACTORS AMONG ADULTS IN GUBRE TOWN, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA 2022: COMPARATIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a psycho-stimulant substance grown in East Africa. People chew khat for its central nervous system stimulant effects such as euphoria, energy, alertness and for social purposes. The number of khat users has increased in Ethiopia during recent decades and the habit has become popular in all sections of the society. But its adverse effects and its prevalence are not well studied. Thus, this research will study some adverse effect of khat chewing and specifically assess risky sexual behavior and its association with it.  Objective: To assess the association between khat chewing and risky sexual behavior among adults in Gubre sub city, Ethiopia, 2022.  Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 24 to June 16 among adults in Gubre subcity. Study subjects was selected using stratified random sampling technique, and data was collected using self-administered questionnaire for those who can read and write and verbal interview for those who can't. It was collected by 3 principal interviewers and supervision was conducted simultaneously. Data analysis was made using SPSS version 21.0 for windows package and the results is presented conceptually using graphs as well as theoretically by written report.  Result: The prevalence of RSB was 186 (55.5%) among khat chewers and 149(44.5%) among non-chewers. The odds of RSB among male respondents was 57.5 times higher than that of females (AOR =57.5; 95% CI: (15.7-210). The odds of RSB among the age range of the respondents that are between 18-24 was higher than that of the age range between 25-34 (AOR =17.8; 95%CI:6.2-50.9). Respondents who are single had 9.5 times higher odds of RSB than that of the married (AOR =9.5; 95% CI:3.2-28.1). Those who earned an average monthly income of 1001-3000 birr had almost thirteen times (AOR =12.9; 95% CI: 3.06-53.5) higher odds of RSB than who earned less than 1000 birr per month. Those who earned an average monthly income of more than 3000 birr had three times (AOR =3.1; 95% CI: 1.2-7.8) higher odds of RSB than who earned less than 1000 birr per month.  Conclusion: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior in Gubre town was higher than those who don’t involve in it. It is more prevalent on single participants than married and has strong association with RSB. The prevalence of RSB among khat chewers was significantly lower than non-chewers. Single, male sex, and more than 1001 EBR monthly income were found to be factors having significant association with current RSB. Therefore, this study does explicitly show that khat chewing was found to be an independent factor (as preventive factor) affecting RSB. However, as this evidence varies and was lacking detailed information, there is a need for intense research using other strong designs like longitudinal study design to explore the actual interactions between khat use among settlers and risky sexual behaviors if there is and along with using a proper standard tool.