Psychoactive substances use and associated factors among Axum university students, Axum Town, North Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of substances such as alcohol, khat leaves and tobacco have long been recognized as one of the leading causes of human suffering and become one of the rising major public health and socio-economic problems worldwide. Even though substances use occurs in all segments of all societies, it is more spreading in an alarming rate among the young generation. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and associated factors of substances use among undergraduate students in Axum University.MethodsInstitution based quantitative cross sectional study design was conducted among Axum University students in April 2012. A sample of 764 students was selected by using multi- stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pre- tested self- administered questionnaires. The data were cleaned, coded, entered into EPI-INFO version 3.5.1 and transferred and analysed using SPSS computer soft ware package version 20.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of khat chewing, alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking among the study participants were 28.7%, 34.5% and 9.5% respectively. Similarly, the current prevalence of khat chewing, alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking were 27.9%, 32.8% and 9.3% respectively. The commonest reasons for khat, alcohol and cigarette using were to keep alert while reading 40.6%, for relaxation 65.5% and to relief stress 37.7% respectively. Having peer friends who chew khat was strongly and positively associated with khat use [AOR: 10.18, 95%CI: (5.59, 18.54)].Family members and peer friends alcohol use were strongly associated with alcohol drinking [AOR: 2.61, 95%CI: (1.56, 4.34) and [AOR: 14, 95%CI: (8.09, 24.24)] respectively. Ever alcohol use was strongly associated with cigarette smoking [AOR: 6.54, 95%CI: (2.66, 16.05)].ConclusionThis study revealed that psychoactive substances use became an urgent problem among undergraduate university students. Universities need to monitor and teach their students with special focus on fresh man students, about the health risks and socioeconomic problems associated with psychoactive substances use.

Prevalence of <i>Catha edulis</i> (Khat) Chewing and Its Associated Factors among Ataye Secondary School Students in Northern Shoa, Ethiopia

“…These predictors were statistically significant and determine khat chewing practice among Ataye high and preparatory students. Basically, this finding agrees with other studies done by different investigators (Gebreslassie et al, 2013;Abrha, 2013;Otieno & Ofulla, 2009;Alsanosy & Mutwakel, 2013;Mulugeta, 2013;Kebede, 2001;Negussie et al, 2014;Aklog et al, 2013;Hussien, 2009). This is because: in the first place, youths directly persuade their friends to conform to their behavior; therefore khat chewers encourage their inexperienced peers to chew khat (Al-Mugahed, 2008); in the second place, since families were significant others (model/figures) of their sons, students with parental model (parents used khat) were more prone to khat chewing than their counter parts; thirdly, higher proportion of the students in this study were come from rural area that has no previous history of khat chewing as they lived with their family.…”

“…In our study male stu-dents currently chewed khat more than female students (Table 3). Similar differences were reported in a surveys carried out in different parts of Ethiopia and other world (Aklog et al, 2013;Negussie et al, 2014;Derese & Seme, 2014;Tilahun & Ayele, 2014;Mulugeta, 2013;Kebede, 2001;Reda et al, 2012;Gebreslassie, 2013;Abrha, 2013;Otieno & Ofulla, 2009;Alsanosy & Mutwakel, 2013;Hussien, 2009). This significant difference may be due to the cultural acceptance of male practicing unusual things including khat chewing, alcohol and other substances than females in Ethiopia and it is not an exceptional in our study area.…”

Magnitude of Psychoactive Substance Abuse among University Students, Adigrat, North Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study

“…However it was relatively lower than the findings reported from undergraduate students of Mekelle University representing 69.7% (Abrha) [14,15]. In addition, based on this study, 31.33% of the participants were current alcohol drinkers.…”

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Psychoactive Substance Use among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria

“…Several studies have identified peers and relatives as major sources of psychoactive substance initiation [28,[31][32][33]. It has been suggested that peers might serve as good role models for substance use intervention program [30].…”