Abstract

Chewing Khat is one of the leading causes of mental disorders in Ethiopia. An alarming increase in Khat chewing among adults since the early 1990s was reported. Studies have shown that starting chewing Khat early in life is associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects. The objective of the study: This study was conducted to measure the increase in Khat chewing among students at Dire Dawa University students in Dire Dawa City, identify the natural causes of the problem, and demonstrate students' knowledge of the effects of Khat chewing. Material and Methods: The study was separate. Dated February 2021. Students during study time (n = 302) were included. The information was collected through personal interviews and completed a list of questions prepared after reviewing. RESULTS: Male (88.2%) of responding students chewed Khat with a significant difference (P <0.001) between males and females in terms of chewing. The year of student study, academic achievement, and family history of chewing Khat had a significant impact (P <0.05) on chewer students. Of the Khat chewer students who read 35.6% reported chewing both morning and afternoon. 66.7% of students who chewed reported that they had intentions to stop chewing and 82.4% considered chewing to be dangerous. CONCLUSION: Khat chewing gum among students is considered a problem and efforts are needed to help students stop chewing and this is considered a way to prevent Khat chewing among students.