The Socio-Cultural Impact of Khat Chewing Among Students

Contents
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER ONE.............................................................................................................................1
The socio-cultural implications and consequences of khat chewing in Gondor city in the case of
college Keeble 18...........................................................................................................................1
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study.......................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem......................................................................................................3
Research Questions.........................................................................................................................4
1.4 Objective of the study...........................................................................................................4
1.4.1 General objective...........................................................................................................5
1.4.2 Specific objectives.........................................................................................................5
Hypothesis......................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................6
1.6 Limitation of the study..........................................................................................................6
1.7 Scope of the study.................................................................................................................6
1.8. Organization of the Paper....................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO............................................................................................................................7
Literature Reviews..........................................................................................................................7
There is an enormous literature on khat related information focusing on province, history,
botany, production, geographic distribution, chemistry and pharmacological, and exploring
the social, economic, medical, psychological and oral aspects related to its use. Regarding
the prevalence, responsible factors, and perceived socio-economic and health effect of khat
chewing are higher in college Keeble 18 in general and also in the study area. In this chapter
literature that is be leaved to have relevance with the current study examined according to
variable of the study................................................................................................................7
2.1 Conceptual and operational definitions of terms Conceptual definitions..............................7
2.3 Concepts on the definition of khat........................................................................................7
2.3History..................................................................................................................................9
2.4 Form of khat chewing...........................................................................................................9
2.5 Cultivation and its use.........................................................................................................10
2.5 Consequence of khat Chewing............................................................................................11
2.5.1 Impact of khat Chewing on Health.............................................................................11
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2.5.2 The socio-economic impact of khat Chewing..............................................................11
2.5.3 Psychological Impact of khat chewing.........................................................................12
2.6 Socio- cultural implication of chewing khat.......................................................................12
CHAPTER THREE......................................................................................................................12
Research methods.........................................................................................................................12
3.1 Description of the study area and population......................................................................13
3.2 Study design.......................................................................................................................13
3.3 Sources of data....................................................................................................................13
3.4 Instruments of data collection.............................................................................................13
3.5 Sampling Technique...........................................................................................................14
3.6 Sample size.........................................................................................................................14
3.7 Ethical Consideration..........................................................................................................14
3.8 Method of data analysis......................................................................................................14
3.9 Conceptual frame work.......................................................................................................14
Socio-economic impact............................................................................................................15
CHAPTER FOUR.............................................................................................................................15
4. FINDING AND DISCUSSION................................................................................................15
4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents............................................................16
4.2 Socio-cultural Implication of khat chewing.............................................................................19
4.3 Economic and Health consequence of khat chewing..............................................................24
4.4 Discussion...........................................................................................................................29
CHAPTER FIVE...............................................................................................................................31
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...................................................................................31
5.1 CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................31
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................................................32
REFERENCE...................................................................................................................................33
APPENDIX -1.................................................................................................................................37
Appendix 2....................................................................................................................................41
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ABSTRACT
This study was intended to assess the socio-cultural implication and consequences of khat chewing in
the study area. To this end various relevant literatures has been reviewed to shade light on the issue
under study. The impact of khat chewing is obvious and coverable secret. The study was conducted by
using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Whereas the study used both primary and
secondary data. The primary source of data was obtained from the respondents or target population of
the study by using questionnaire and interview as the instrument of data collection. The secondary data
was gathered from related written material like different books. The gathered data was analyzed by
using frequency distribution table and percentage. This study showed that khat chewing as critical
problem among the collage kebele 18.Government need to follow and educate societies with special
on , collage kebele 18 on the socio-economic and health problems associated with khat abuse.
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CHAPTER ONE
The socio-cultural implications and consequences of khat chewing in Gondor city in the
case of college Keeble 18.
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse is defined as the use of drug or other
substances for non-medical purposes with the aim of producing a mind- altering effect in the user
(WHO, 2006). According to this organization it involves the use of substance such as cannabis, khat,
misuse of legal drugs or use of a drug for purposes other than for which they are intended (WHO, 2006).
There are many types of substances that are likely to be abused by youth which include alcohol (the
most commonly drug globally), hallucinogens such as cannabis and tobacco, hypnotics, sedatives,
anxiolytics and It implant such as cocaine, caffeine, amphetamine and khat, for the purpose of this study
the researcher focused on khat.
According to United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC), million people are involved in
substance abuse worldwide. These, 25 million people aged 15-16 are estimated to be problem drug
users, many of whom are unable to stop without treatment. The regional share of Africa in the report it
between 25.7 million and 80.8 million among the same age group. Report of World Health Organization
(2006) showed that while 17 to 42.8% of youths in Sub-Saharan Africa are involved in chronic
excessive drinking of alcohol, those involved in abusing drugs such as cannabis and other like khat are 7
to 38%. Like other substance use problems in the rest of the world, the prevalence and incidence of
adolescent khat abuse is also becoming critical issue in Ethiopia.
The study document by the World Drug Report indicated that the national prevalence rate
of drug use across Ethiopia is 2.6 percent. khat is one of stimulant drug, got from tree
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called Catha edulis. People have consumed khat, for its stimulating effects (Cox and
Rapes 2003, 456). It has slightly narcotic properties and its leaves are usually chewed.
The main psychoactive ingredients are cathine and cathinone(the dependence- producing
constituent of khat leaves), chemicals that are similar to amphetamines (NIDA,2010).
Khat leaves are chewed for their euphoric effect, to guard off tiredness, and with the
assumption that chewing khat facilitates learning. World Health organization(1980)
classified it as drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological effect(less
than tobacco or alcohol).
According to a study by African Journal of Drug and Alcohol studies(2007), in Ethiopia

alcohol and khat are the most frequent substance of abuse, followed by cannabis and
solvents. However, there is acute shortage of up-to date figure across the country
concerning the commute abused drug like khat Several reports showed that the
prevalence of khat use different according to age, gender, place of residence, and
occupation. Khat contains more than 40 alkaloids, but its stimulant effect derives mainly
from cathinone, the main psychostimulant alkaloid in Khat, which is dubbed as “natural
amphetamine” due to its structural and pharmacological similarity. Cathinone undergoes
a rapid Phase I stereo selective keto reduction by liver microsomal enzyme to nor
ephedrine and cathine, but the enzymes catalyzing this metabolism have not yet been
elucidated. However, it is predicted from the metabolic pathways of amphetamines and
synthetic cathinone’s that major cytochrome P450 (CYPs) might be involve. Khat is a
quasi-legal psychoactive shrub, produced and marketed in the province of Harerge,
Ethiopia, and widely consumed throughout Northeast Africa. In the late nineteenth
century the main cash crop of Harerge was coffee. Leaf of Allah examines why farming
families shifted from cultivating coffee and food crops to growing khat. Demographic,
market, and political factors facilitated the emergence of khat as Harerge’s leading
agricultural commodity. This development increased the scale of unofficial cross-border
trade in consumer goods.Various influencing factors have been identified that follow, and
increase the possibility of chat use problems that can be described and conceptualized as
personal, interpersonal and environmental factors (WHO,2010). Worldwide, drug abuse
is associated with serious health, social, and economic consequence for instance khat is
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associated with insomnia, paranoid feelings, gastrointestinal problems and depression,
This study therefore is basically aimed at investigating the socio cultural implication and
consequence of khat chewing in Gondor city in the case of college sub city
1.2 Statement of the problem
Khat chewing is neither habit confined to any a specific socio-economic group nor gender specific. It is
common habit among all segment of the Ethiopian population. Studies show that khat consumption is
widely experienced by both young and the old though the young are the most affected group Eneh&
stanbey, 2004). It is widely understood that the consumption of khat creates remarkable problem for
today’s youth which is not limited to individual users; rather its adverse negative consequence is
believed to be challenging to a family, the community as a whole, economy and political area of a given
nation. Many countries including Ethiopia recognized that substances abuse by young people is a serious
health, economic and social problems, such us Crime, Divorce and Rape. Since khat chewers spend
considerable time on this habit this time wasting affects the work time of the community Ethiopian
journal Health Development,2002 . Khat consumption is contentious Anderson et al., 2007 many
nations have listed it as a controlled substance Cochrane & O’Regan,2016. Some nations have linked
khat with terrorism and the commercial sex industry Beckerleg, 2009; Gebissa,2012. Similarly, some
scholars present khat as a malicious product that distracts the nation’s health, economy, and family
While others argue that khat has cultural or religious significance for a nation Carrier, 2007; Gebissa,
2004; Carrier, 2005. These scholars point out the positive economic impacts it has for a country and a
family Armstrong, 2008; Beckerleg, 2009; Gebissa,. Ference 2009 suggests that khat is “the most
controversial and ubiquitous stimulant.” Yet, given the scale of production and consumption, relatively
little is known about the many ways in which khat interacts with lives, livelihoods and economies Wolf
2013..
Khat is a leafy shrub planted mostly in the north-eastern parts of Africa, including
Ethiopia. Khat leaves and buds contain the alkaloid cathinone, a stimulant, which is said
to cause excitement, loss of appetite, and euphoria Carrier & Klantschnig, 2018. Khat is
“chewed” or held within the mouth while absorption takes place typically only the
“juices” are swallowed, not the leaves. Khat consumption or chewing is a habit of
chewing khat frequently and encountering symptoms of withdrawal when consumption is
skipped or missed. Khat culture is the widespread consumption of khat in a given
community, which is a growing trend now in Harar. It is a community level khat
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consumption where every group of people chews khat, like in Harar. In Harar, khat is
used not only for entertainment but also for more serious businesses like religion and
work, and they accepted it as an integral part of their culture. Khat culture also involves
the ceremony of chewing khat. This culture develops over a long period of time. Written
evidence shows that khat chewing started in Harar before the 19 th century Burton,1856.
One of my informants said, “this is the culture that we inherited from our grand grand-
fathers.” Khat chewer or consumer, in this study, refers to a person who uses khat at least
two or three times a week and feels uncomfortable, bored and displays unusual behavior
including depressive mood, irritability, anorexia, and difficulty to sleep and mood swings
when not consuming or finding khat. The researcher aimed at assessing the socio-
cultural implication and to see association of khat use with social, economic and health
consequences, in the case of college sub city.
Generally in the statement of problem we raised and study different issues at different
place for instance they study the khat culture and economic wellbeing comparison of
chewer and non-chewer families ,an assessment of khat consumption habits and its
linkage to house hold economies and work culture, the constitutes problematic khat use,
effect of khat user on catalytic activities of major drug ,khat chawing practice and
associated factor and khat user prevalence cause and its effect on mental health. Some
this study are studied by physician. So the gab of those study. Those all previous study
does not discuss the issues of the socio-cultural implications and consequences of khat
chewing so we are going to fill this gab through our study. Based up on the gab the
general objective of conducting this research would be assess to dynamics, socio-cultural
implication and consequences of chewing khat.
Research Questions
 What are the socio-cultural implication of khat chewing?
 What are the economic consequences of khat chewing in the study area?
 What are the health and psychology of chewing khat in the study area?
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1.4 Objective of the study
The objective of the study will be categorized in to two basic components. These are general objectives
and specific objective.
1.4.1 General objective
The general objective of conducting this research would be assess to dynamics, socio-cultural
implication and consequences of chewing khat.
1.4.2 Specific objectives
The specific objectives of this research concepts of the following.
 To examine the socio-cultural implication of khat chewing in the study area?
 To assess the economic consequences of khat chewing in the study area?
 To describe the health and psychology of chewing khat in study area?
 To explore the relationship between khat chewing and employment status?
Hypothesis
Based on the objectives listed above, three hypotheses was developed and tasted.
These are:
Null hypothesis:-
Ho: Khats chewing behavior and sociocultural have no significant relation.

Ho: Demographic backgrounds of society and khat chewing behavior have no
significant relation.
Ho: Sociocultural conditions and khat chewing behavior of people have no
significant relation
Alternative hypothesis:-
H1: The khat chewing behavior has a significant effect on sociocultural of the
society.
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H2: Demographic background of the society has a significant influence on khat
chewing behavior of society.
H3: sociocultural conditions has a significant effect on khat chewing behavior of
people.
1.5 Significance of the study
The study would be design to determine dynamics socio-cultural implication and consequence of
chewing khat in the in Gondor city in the case of college kebele 18. It would also give insight and
interest to research and students to stimulate for further investigation of the problem it with also gives a
clear understanding of the socio-cultural implication of chewing khat and also gives understand about
consequences that would comes from chewing khat. In addition, the study identify the relationship
among khat chewer and, employment status, educational, back ground, marital status and its
consequences on socio-economic as well as environment. It would also assess the reason why individual
chew khat. The study detected how to reduce chewing khat.
1.6 Limitation of the study
There is some limitation in this proposal. It is true to say that any type of research requires enough time
to get good and reliable information. However, we faced the shortage of time and croon various problem
to collect information and go through all the review of literature exhaustively. And also challenges that
were encountered while study was lack of up to date appropriate recorded documents or secondary data.
1.7 Scope of the study

This study delimited in Gondar city at collage kebele 18 and selected from different point of view. The
most khat chewer chowing at this area because of many student chowing khata gone from university of
Gondar and many unemployed individual present at this area and they use khat and practice on different
crime activity by using this khat.This study targeted on group of individual whom chowing khat
spatially younger adult. The researcher selected College kebele 18 from another sub city for special
emphasize and for the familiarity with the area. This study focus on the socio-cultural implications and
consequences of khat chewing
1.8. Organization of the Paper
This research paper was organized into five chapters. The first chapter consisted
introduction, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, hypothesis, the research
questions, scope and limitation of the study, conceptual & operational definitions and
significance of the study. Chapter two consisted of both theoretical and empirical
literature reviews and the third chapter describes the methodology which contains a
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description of the study area, data sources, data types and sampling techniques and the
analytical tools were presented.
Chapter five comprised integrated discussions of quantitative and qualitative phase

results, conclusion, Recommendation and policy implications of the study.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Reviews
There is an enormous literature on khat related information focusing on province, history,
botany, production, geographic distribution, chemistry and pharmacological, and
exploring the social, economic, medical, psychological and oral aspects related to its use.
Regarding the prevalence, responsible factors, and perceived socio-economic and health
effect of khat chewing are higher in college Keeble 18 in general and also in the study
area. In this chapter literature that is be leaved to have relevance with the current study
examined according to variable of the study.
2.1 Conceptual and operational definitions of terms Conceptual definitions
Khat - It is a stimulant drug derived from a shrub known as Catha edulis.
Marijuana: a usually illegal drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp
plant which produces a feeling of pleasant relaxation if smoked or eaten.
Health effects: All illnesses associated with substance abuse to any person using Khat.
The substance considered in this study is Khat.
Marijuana: a usually illegal drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp
plant which produces a feeling of pleasant relaxation if smoked or eaten.
2.3 Concepts on the definition of khat

Khat (Catha edulis forks) is an evergreen tree that grows in different parts of the word extending from
east to southern Africa as well as Afghanistan, Yemen and Madagascar (krikorian,2000). The earliest
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scientific report concerning khat in the eighteen century by the botanist peter forks (Basher, 2002). This
customs out lets in different parts of the world have even observed shipments khat.
Chewing khat is a estimated to be frequent user of khat its euphoric effects and other desired effects. In
some countries were the use of khat is widespread, the habit has a deep rooted social and cultural
tradition (Kallix and braeden,2001 ). Chewing khat is both a social and a cultures based activity. It is
sides to enhance social interaction and for structuring social life. So, it’s usually chewed in company
(Kennedy, 2006) but may be used by individual to enhance their working capacity. The growing use of
khat has motivated an interest in further knowledge’s of its activity ingredients’ and their
pharmacological effects. A number of studies have been made in an attempt to through light on these
problems. Khat contains more than 40 alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals
(Halbach, 2003).
khat is central nervous stimulated drug. Thus, the principal features of the khat experience are described
as in creased levels of alertness ability to concentrate, confidence, friend lines, contentment and flow of
idea (kannedy, 2004). Cathionone one of the stimulate chemicals is the dependence producing
constituent of khat leaves. It is are in force and maintains very high rates of responding in animal
experiments (kalix and khan, 2001). Debate exists as to whether khat like amphetamine, can actually
cause dependence. Some authors describe a psychological dependence rather than a physical one
(Halbach, 2004). Tolerance to khat practically does not occur fit does the doses are increased only very
slowly. This may be due to the intrinsic properties of khat or to the physical limits on the amount that
can be consumed (Kalix, 2001). Unwanted effects associated with khat are sleeplessness, nervousness,
impotence and night mares (kennedy, 2006). Gastro-intestinal tract problems are common, such as
anorexia and constipation (Giamini, Burge, shahen, and pnce W.A 2008). The latter is most likely due to
the astringent effects of the tannins in khat (Halbach, 2004) and laxative is high in khat – chewing areas.
The scale of laxatives decreasing markedly when khat is prohibited – khat has been implicated in a
number of other gastro intestinal and cardio vascular conditions (Halbach 2004). Anorexia leads to
malnutrition and her eased susceptibility from infections disease, especially tuberculoses (kalix, 2001 ).
Khat (Catha edulis Forssk.) is an evergreen flowering tree or shrub, first identified by Forsskal, a
botanist in 1762 .It is mainly cultivated in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Ethiopia is thought to
be the origin of khat and currently it is consumed everywhere in the country mainly by youths .
According to EDHS 2011 the prevalence of khat use in the general population of Ethiopia was 27.3%
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among men and 11.0% among women of 15–49 years .Similarly other studies show the prevalence of
khat use in Ethiopian out school and in school adolescents was 23.0% and 7.5%, respectively.
A study conducted among adults in Butajira, Ethiopia, found current prevalence of khat chewing was
50% . The study conducted among college students in North West Ethiopia also showed the current
prevalence of khat chewing was 17.5% . Similarly, institution based cross-sectional study conducted
among college students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia, showed the overall prevalence of khat chewing in
college students was 19.6% . A community based study conducted in Jimma town, south west Ethiopia,
found the khat chewing prevalence of 30.6%.
There is also increased prevalence of respiratory problems, in men, resulting from associated heavy’s
smoking during khat sessions (kennedy, 2006). Khat is rapidly expanding perennial crop in the
Ethiopian highlands, and it is Ethiopia second largest export item. Ethiopia is the world’s largest
producer of khat, which is the country’s fastest growing export. About a third of the production is
exported to Djibouti and Somalia, but the bulk of it is marketed and consumed with the country, mostly
in the Somalia administrative region In Ethiopia khat is an important and potentially profitable cash
crop. The employment opportunity created through the cultivation of khat is very high in that large
numbers of people are involved in growing, harvesting, sorting, packing, transporting, loading and
unloading the commodity (Dechasa, 2001). The federal democratic republic government of Ethiopia and
the different regional government obtain a significant amount income from khat in a form of taxation. In
2000/ 2010 0.464 billion worth of khat was exported to different countries and ranked second replacing
hides and skins in export revenue (Dachasa, 2001). However the high rate of khat use in Ethiopia have
so many socio-economic and health side effects that calls for government and public intervention.
2.3History
Some oral traditions claim that khat originated from Yemen. However, the literature indicates that khat
originated from Ethiopia, specifically in Hararghe with a gradual expansion to different part of Ethiopia,
Yemen and other parts of the world. Legend has that the use of khat was first discovered by a herder
who noticed the effects of the plants on his goats and who tried it and experienced wakefulness and
added strength. The distribution or khat in tropical Africa extends from north Arabia to South Africa.
In Africa it is well established in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe,
southern Rhodesia and South Africa despite effects of the respective government to discourage its
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cultivation. In east Africa it grows in the range of 1500-2500 meters above sea level. Outside Africa it is
planted in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, Afghanistan, Indian and Srilanka for consumption and in the
USA, UK and France for experimental purposes (Dechasa, 2001).
2.4 Form of khat chewing
Khat is grown for its tender leaves and twigs /stems, which are chewed for their mind stimulating effect.
They taste sweet to bitter when fresh, based on the type of khat consumed. Although the most common
way of obtaining he stimulating effect of khat is by chewing fresh leaves and soft twigs, concerning died
and pounded material, in the form of tea in fusion and smoking is also seen (Dechasa, 2001).
Additionally when a regular khat chewer is not getting khat he/she feels uncomfortable, becomes
restless and aggressive. In Hararghe a person in such a state is locally known as Jazba (literally meaning
inactive or dull) and the condition of an extra ordinary desire for khat is called harara.
2.5 Cultivation and its use
The khat plants is known by a variety of name such as Qat and ghat in Yemen, khat in Ethiopia, jaad in
Somalia and miraa in Kenya and Tanzania ( kennedy, 2004). Khat has been grown for use as stimulate
for centuries in the horn of Africa and the Arabian pensula. There chewing khat predates the use of
coffee and in a similar social context. Its fresh leaves and tops are chewed or, less frequently, dried and
consumed as tea, in order to achieve a state of euphoria and stimulation. Due to the availability of rapid
in expensive air transportation, the drug has been reported in England, Rome, Amsterdam, Canada,
Australia, Newt land United States. Khat use has traditionally been confined to the religions where chat
is grown, because only the fresh leaves have the desired stimulating effects. In recent years improved
road, of road motor vehicles and air transportation have increased the global distribution of this
perishable commodity. Traditionally khat has been used a socializing drug and this still very much.
During this period one cannot be expected to believe well or to respond positively to any query.
However, when a regular chewer gets khat, after about one and half to two hours she /he will become
calm as the narcotic effects begins to work. This state of quenching the chewing desire is locally known
as mirkana.
According to key informants, the time taken to get the stimulating effect varies based on the body
weight of the person, room temperature and types and quality of the material. It is said that a heavy
person will sense the feeing late as compared to a person with less body weight while warm room
temperature will hasten foreigners (Dechasa , 2001). The increasing use and consumption of khat has
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become a major concern to many countries. Especiall the Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia who have
found if necessary to prohibit its cultivation at different times.
Never the less, past efforts to ban the crop in these countries sand to replace it with coffee in Ethiopia
and uprooting the crop after paying compensation in Somalia did not last long. The failure was largely
due to the exclusion of the formers from the decision-making process and more importantly due to an
absence of any viable substitute that could fully compensate the merits (traditional economic, social
environmental benefit) obtained from the cultivation of khat sparked a commission of inquiry, under the
auspices of the league of nations while in more recent years the UN commission on narcotics and drugs
(UN (ND) fund the issue of khat consumption and its effects quite controversial often post poring
several meetings as the plants narcotic effects was in sufficiently understood due to lack of viable
clinical research informations.
2.5 Consequence of khat Chewing
2.5.1 Impact of khat Chewing on Health
Consuming khat juice from your leaves stimulates brain and spinal cord (through synapses) resulting in
the desirable effect which are perceived by addicted individuals. The pleasurable effects are relief from
fatigue, euphoria, increased alertness and energy level feeling of excitement, proved ability to
communicate, enhanced imaginative ability and capacity to associate ideas and heightened self-
confidence. Chewing of khat can also causes unpleasant effects including serious impairment of sexual
function rapid heartbeat and rise in blood pressure through noradrenalin line (nor epinephrine) release
from peripheral neurons sonar to amphetamine ( kalix, 2001). The prevalence of khat chewing is
increasing and long with if other substances such as cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are being
used. More over illicit substances including shisha and hashish are also being taken. The problem is
especially worrisome among cut of school youth who have no job or who are daily labors.
2.5.2 The socio-economic impact of khat Chewing
The pleasure stimulation (European) obtained when chewing khat induces many users to abuse the drug.
This may have damaging effects from social and economic points of view. Some people may arrive at
spending a great part of their earning on khat, thus failing to ensure for themselves and their families
important and vital needs. Excess of khat chewing may lead to family disintegration. The chewer very
often shows irritability, becomes quarrelsome, and spends much of the time away from home. These
facts and the failure of sexual intercourse (in mule users) after chewing may endanger family life. In the
communities where khat is consumed, there is a general agreement among observers khat there is high
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incidence of absenteeism and decreased productivity, which lead to on employment and poverty.
(Dechasa 2001).
Khat has considerable social value. It is served to welcome and entertain quests, in morning wedding
and circumcision ceremonies and collective labor works. khat chewing has its own associated
ceremonies like smoking of incense, cigarettes and use of drink (soft drinks, tea and milk) khat chewing
is addition and has a negative physical economic and social connotation although non user both in rural
and urban areas condemn the practice or chewing the number of people chewing is increasing partially
among the use. In urban areas chewing khat common leisure activities which combined with the
consumption of it are followed by alcohol is having an adverse effect on family life.
2.5.3 Psychological Impact of khat chewing
It seems that khat chewing may induce a moderate but often persistent psychological dependence (Kalix,
1994) some of the psychological impacts cited in literature are poor self-esteem, poor self-control,
inadequate social coping skills, sensation seeking, depression, anxiety, being stressed, tension
restlessness aggressive behavior or psychosis (yosef et al; 2002 and pentelis et al, 2004). In addition a
group of experts in WHO (2006) has concluded that khat consumption may in dose” moderate but often
persistent dependence the withdrawal symptoms after prolonged khat use seem to be limited, however to
lethargy, milked depression, slight trembling and recurrent bad dreams.
2.6 Socio- cultural implication of chewing khat
As a social institution population Khat chewing is valued for its critical role in maintaining
cultural consequence facilitating such activities as work meditative work ship and cultural
ceremonies. And also served the leaves on important occasions such has birth marriage, funeral,
and naming ceremonies, and chewed large amounts doing popular rituals performed to ward off
natural calamities. In all of these cases, khat chewing serves as an essential social bur cant that
fosters amity, cooperation, and sociality.
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CHAPTER THREE
Research methods
In this study, could be used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative method
used to present and interpret the data through use of tables, number and percentages whereas the
qualitative method was used to interpret the gathered data in a sentence form.
3.1 Description of the study area and population
This study conducted in the Amhara region, North Gondar zone, Gondar city, at Gondar which is
located 174 kms North -from bahirdar. Gondar has 23 kebeles and having people according to national
census statistical agency of Ethiopia (csa)in 2019 total population of the city is 500788 out of which
40.9% are females and 59.9% are males. Annual growth rate of the population is 4.37% with population
density of 2011 E.C.
This study conducted in kebele18 which is the frontier of Gondar town have homogenies population
and the kebele population are composed of different people having different background and coming
from deferent direction. The prominent Ethnic groups in the Kebele are Amhara and few other Ethnic
group the most religious activities of the people are Orthodox, but to live other religious like Muslim, ,
Protestant and Catholic followers. The majority of the population in the kebele is follower of the
Orthodox religion. The total population of Keeble 18 is 19578. From this total population 7854Female
and 11724 male.
3.2 Study design.
In this study, we used both qualitative and quantitative research design. From qualitative designs depth
interview used, it help us to gather the necessary data from both respondents and informants. From the
quantitative designs, a survey used. The cross-sectional survey will use to study different people with
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the same characteristics. So, survey was use as one design to get the responses from the respondents
about the socio-economic and health consequence of khat chewing.
3.3 Sources of data
The necessary data that need for the study and obtain from both primary and secondary sources of data
to deliver information. The primary data obtained directly from the respondents or target group of the
study and from key informants. Secondary data sources will obtain from relate written materials such as
books, journals and different pamphlets which can describe about khat.
3.4 Instruments of data collection
To collect data from primary source, two types of data gathering technique or method be employed thus,
it include questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire prepared in the form of closed and open ended
and as well as structured interview of data collection was administered in the data collection. Because,
this both methods of data collection permitted the researcher to gather information within a minimum of
time, at the medium expense of money and effort, and minimize interviewer bias and also possible
problems on the parts of the respondents which is important to obtain the needed information from the
respondent.
3.5 Sampling Technique
To undertake this study we employs non-probability sampling technique. From those non-probability
sampling techniques purposive and quota sampling technique used. In quota sampling we will select
people according to some fixed quota on the basis of pre-specified characteristics. For the case of
chewers used purposive sampling technique, because more closeness to the problem , its important when a
researcher wants to identify particular types of cases for in-depth investigation and uses it to select
unique cases that are especially informative. The quota sampling technique used to determine the
number of the respondent and to categories the unit of proportion in the Kebele 18.
3.6 Sample size
The Keeble 18 the population is totally 19578 from this total population(According to the national
census statistical agency of Ethiopia in 2019). We selected the sample size of 70 respondents, from these
respondents twenty people would interview and from these people ten of them also non-khat chewer
and the rest ten of them are khat chewer .At the same time the fifty (50) respondents(khat chewers) was
filled the questionnaire that would be distribute for them.
3.7 Ethical Consideration
In conducted the study, we took into consideration to protect the privacy, anonymity and confidentiality
of the respondents by voluntary consent and informing participants about the overall purpose of the
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research. Interview participants were not intentionally pressured to reveal private or personal details and
also the researcher was take care not to reveal the identity of individual implicated in research without
their permission and treat research participant fairly and show them respect.
3.8 Method of data analysis
We described the socio cultural implication and consequence of chewing khat by using some analysis of
data that is quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The quantitative data analysis means the analysis
by table and percentage and the second one qualitative data analysis and this one also used to mention
the experience of people based on opened-ended questionnaire and based on interview case description.
3.9 Conceptual frame work

Conceptual frame work is an image as symbolic or general expression to presentation as abstract idea
and also a complex mental formulation of experience.
Consequence
Khat chewing
Impact on health Socio-economic impact

Psychological impact
 Luck of concentration - Not success on economy
Poor -self- esteem, poor self  Lack of sleep - Decrease productivity
control, depression, anxiety,  Physical weakness
tension, aggressive  Impotent
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CHAPTER FOUR
4. FINDING AND DISCUSSION
This is the critical part of the study which comprises the data and data processes organization,
presentation and interpretation that help to provide adequate responses for the question and consequently
to realize the desired objective of the investigation. To promote understandability and organization of
the study, the data are systematically organized and displayed using qualitative and quantitative method
of data analysis, the interpretations are given for each essential issue. Back ground of the respondent
such as sex, age level, education, employment status and religion are used in detail since these factors
are very crucial in determining the individuals urges in chewing khat or not. Consequently to meet the
desire objectives of the study the analysis and hence all the organization of presentation data are
systematic and managed.
4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents

Table 1 Distribution of respondents by age
A g e Frequency %
1 5 - 2 0 25 50%
2 0 - 2 5 20 40%
2 6 - 3 0 - -
3 1 - 4 0 2 4%
3 6 - 4 0 2 4%
46 abov e 1 2%
Total 50 100%
Source: own survey (2010E.C)
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As shown in the above table the respondents was 50 in the numbers of which 25(50%) of respondents
are between 15-20 age and 20(40%) of respondents age 20-25. Most respondent age lies between the
ages 15-20 that has an indicative of being the respondents are at the youth levels. Next to youth age
levels of the respondents, the data comprise the respondent’s age levels of 20-25 is the second by having
high number of respondent at this age level is productive level. The respondents between age 36-40 are
only 2 and the age above 46is 1 at this age levels there is low number of respondents.
The existence of these data helps to identify the age level and the sex status at which chewing khat has
highly practiced by youth. In addition depending on these data one can clearly distinguish and easily
recommend at which age level individual are highly encouraged.
Table 2 Distribution of respondents by Educational status
Educational status Frequency %
illiterate 5 10%
read and write 15 3 0 %
Primary school's 8 1 6 %
Secondary school's 10 2 0 %
5 1 0 %
Preparatory school's
Diploma 6 12%
Degree 1 2%
Above degree - -
Total 5 0 100%
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As shown in the above table most of respondents educational back grounds are literate or can read and
write this indicates that the responses provided are said to valid hence most of them can analyze and
replied the appropriate and genuine one. On the other hand, only 5(10%) of respondents are illiterate, the
literate are 15(30%),the primary school's are 8(16%),the secondary school's are 10(20%),the preparatory
school's are 5(10%),the Diploma are 6(12%) and the Degree is 1(2%).
Therefore concerning the educational background of the respondents, it is crucial to understand that the
level at which each respondents is helped the researcher to acquire appropriate and significant data for
the investigation to meet the desired targets. The educational background of the data is describe that
most literate people are use that for different purpose that the respondent perceive.
Table 3 Distribution of respondents by occupation status
Occupational status
Frequency %
Employed 19 38%
Unemployed 21 42%
F a r m e r - -
Student 10 20%
Merchant - -
T o t a l 50 100%
As shown in the table regarding the respondents who might chew khat or not and the condition of their
current employment status, the collected data depicted that 21(42%) of respondents are
unemployed ,10(20%) of respondent are university student and also 19(38%) of respondents have work
(employed).From the above data description the number unemployed respondent is more than
(exceeded) from employed Therefore from these data it is clear that most of individual who unemployed
one is that constituted the largest number from the employed. So that it described that especially for
unemployed it is a negative expense, which leads to heavy risk factors, like forced to thief, hanging
practice and loathing but employed people most of a time they face economic crises.
Table 4 Distribution of respondents by Religion
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Religion Frequency %
Orthodox 33 66%
M u s l i m 17 34%
Protestant _
_
Catholic _
_
T o t a l 50 100%
As shown in above table indicate that most numbers of respondent Orthodox which followed Muslim by
of the respondent. That is from all respondents Orthodox respondents are 33(66%) and Muslim
respondents are 17(34%).From the above data we understand that most of respondent are Orthodox is
because Orthodox respondents have a maximum percentage from another religions follower. And also
the second largest present respondents are Muslim followers and no one among the Protestant and
Catholic respondent. That is clear that among the above data the Catholic and Protestant followers are
not chew khat were other followers are chewing.
Table 5 Distribution of respondents by Ethnicity
Ethnicity Frequency %
Amhara 38 76%
Oromo 7 14%
Sumale 5 10%
_ _
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Total 100%
50
From above shows that the ethnicity of respondents. Thus 38(76%) of respondents are Amhara,
7(14%) of respondents are oromo and 5(10%) of respondents are sumale. From those Ethnicity
the larges khat chewer in the Amhara Ethnicity. This indicates that, the dweller of this society
most of them are have Amhara ethnicity.
4.2 Socio-cultural Implication of khat chewing

Table 6 Distribution of respondents chewing habit per week
The days use for khat

Frequency %
chewing
1-2 days 17 34%

3-5 days 14 28%
Every days 19 38%
Table of above show that, the number of days that the respondents used in chewing per week. Thus
17(34%) of respondents are chew khat from 1-2 days, 14(28%) of respondents are uses 3-5 days which
is least one. The rest 19(38%) of respondents are every day khat chewer, and it is the largest number
among the all above respondent.
Generally, concerning with using these much day for khat chewing, particularly for user of everyday it is
difficult because it is must have the time elapse and economic crises that leads the social in to different
problems, like divorce.
Table 7Distribution of respondent’s reason of chewing khat
Reasons for khat chewing

Frequency %
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It helps to forget problems 11 22%
It facilitate social interaction 3 6%
To work long hours 11 22%
To pass time 18 36%
To get courage 7 14%
Total 50 100%
The above table shows the reasons that facilitate to chewing khat. Thus 11(22%) of respondents are
chews khat to forget problems, 3(6%) of respondents are chews khat for the reason it facilitate social
interaction, 11(22%) of respondents are chews khat to work along hours, 7(14%) of respondents are
chews khat to get courage which is the most least one and the rest 18(36%) of respondents are chews
khat to pass time, it is the most maximum number the all above respondent. It indicates all respondent
have different reason that facilitate to chewing khat. Generally, concerning with this reason. The most
heart pressing reason is to pass time because time is the most highly valuable resource for human being,
if ones person not used wisely his time he will get crises in his life time so this issue must give more
attention otherwise, the whole society going to crises.
As key informants explain when describes the consequence of khat; The most highest consequence
comes behind khat chewing that affect our society is killing of time during khat chewing, this situation
leading the society in to poverty because most time and income loose when khat chewing.
Table 8 Distribution of Impact of khat on social relation and cultural influence for
chewing khat
Questions Respondents
Yes No
Would you khat
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chewing have impact on Frequency % Frequency %
social relation?
37 74% 13 26%
Is there any culture

influence for khat Frequency % Frequency %
chewing practice in your
community? 40 80% 10 20%
As observed from the above tables the most respondents agree with the chewing khat have
impacts on social relation, but least number respondents not agree with khat chewing have
impact on social relation. In general the data shows that most of respondents are perceive khat
chewing have impact on social relation, this indicates most khat chewer know the impact of khat
on the society. When we see the second questions 40(80%) of the respondents are believed that
there is cultural influence for khat chewing practice while the rest 10(20%) of respondents
argued that it has no any cultural influence for khat chewing practice generally from this
information we can conclude that there is cultural influence that provoked khat chewing practice
in the society.
As key informants explains that; khat chewing have so many impacts on the social relationship for
instance, it create disagreements between the society because every individual live only for himself do
not give care for the society. And also there is some cultural influence to chew khat ,the society believes
as aculture, chewing khat is not good during different essential issues. They also explain; Most of
Kabele 18 community the follower of religion of Orthodox , but most of them are khat chewer and their
religion strictly prohibited khat but the community do not respect it, among those we see that in holy
bible and Quran “intoxicants gambling, the idols altars, and games of chance” are strictly prohibited.
The word used for intoxicants is “khamr” from the root word “khamara” which means “to cover” thus,
anything that covers or hinders the mind is prohibitedIn mThe prophet (Allah’s peace be up on him)
also said “no harm and no promotion of harm” in this Hadith there is prohibition of harm and of its
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prohibition. All that means that everything which has more harm than benefit is bad, impure and
harmful.
Table 9 Distribution of family’s knowledge on chewing behavior
Q u e s t i o n Respondents
Does your family Y e s N o
know yourkhat Frequency % Frequency %
chewing behavior?
8 16% 42 84%

The above table shows that the khat chewers chewing behavior know by their family or not. Thus from
the all respondents 8(16%) of them are their khat chewing behavior are known by their family and
42(84%) of respondents are not known their chewing behavior by their families. Generally, this data
indicates most the khat chewer families do not known this khat chewing behavior because of this small
distributed khat chewing practice in the community.
Table 10 Distribution of the respondent’s relation with their Families
The relation of khat chewer with their families

Frequency
%
They like me very much - -
They fairly like me 10 2 0 %

They do not like me 40 8 0 %
T o t a l 50 100%
Source: own survey (2Question
As indicated in the above table the respondents has been responded accordingly among the respondents
40(80%) responses they do not have peaceful relation with their family, while 10(20%) responses as
they have a fair relation with their family. General this data indicates that most families in the kebele 18
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give much care for khat chewing because as we have seen from the table most families try to stop this
khat chewing practice because of different factors.
Regarding on this the key informants explains that, One of the negative consequences of khat chewing
is, it create disagreement between the khat chewer and their families, because most khat chewer do not
respect their families, their behavior change from time to time and do not have continues suitable
behavior.
Table 11 Distribution of respondent’s withdrawal symptom
Q u e s t i o n R e s p o n d e n t s
Are you always able stop Y e s N o
chewing chat when went to? Frequency % Frequency %
30 60% 20 40%
Have you ever expanded Frequency % Frequency %
withdrawal symptom when
you stopped chewing khat? 15 30% 30 70%

Have you ever expanded withdrawal symptom when you stopped chewing khat?
As shown in the above table indicates that most numbers of respondents are able to stop chewing khat
when they want, but least of them are not able to stop chewing khat when they want. This indicates that
the most khat chewers do not addicted by khat until they do able to stop. Whereas when we see the
second question the few number of respondents are experienced withdrawal symptom from the
community when stopped khat chewing, but the most number of the respondents are not get any
withdrawal symptoms. Generally, this indicates the most khat chewers influenced by their culture or any
other thing.
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4.3 Economic and Health consequence of khat chewing
Table 12 Distribution of respondent’s successfulness
No Are the khat chewers successful on their economy?

Frequency Percent
1, Yes 19 38%
2, No 31 62%
Total 50 100%
The above table reveals that 31(62%) of the respondents were agree with the khat chewers not success
full in their economy, while the other respondents agree with the khat chewer success full in their
economy. Generally this table indicates that, the highest number of khat chewer not success full in there
economy because most their expense from their income for khat purchasing, it highly affects their
economy. Thus this economy inflation leads the society in to aggravating disorder and crimes.
Regarding on this key informants explains that, in our community most khat chewer not success on their
economic activity because they expense most incomes for purchasing khat, it affects their economic
successfulness.
Table 13 Distribution of respondents income level by month
Monthly income (birr) Frequency Percentage%

Below 500 20 40%
501-2000 18 36%
Above 2000 12 24%
Total 50 100%
Source: own survey ( 2013E.C)
As displayed in the above table, the majority of the respondents are their income range below 500
Ethiopian birr per month. Further, 18(36%) of the study participant showed there income distribution
from 501-200 per month and 12(24%) of the respondents mentioned there income range above200 per
month. From the above data one can understand that, the majority of the respondent was living with
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monthly income which is low. This low income of khat chewers leads to another crime because from
this low income expense high amount of birr for purchasing khat.
Table 14 Distribution of respondent expense for khat
The expense for khat per day

Frequency %
Less than25 birr 21 42%
25-35 20 40%
35-45 6 12%
Above 55 birr 3 6 %
Total 50 1 0 0 %
As shown the above table indicated that, the number of chewers and the birr they expense for chewing
khat per day. According to the data manifested the amount costs incurred per day 21(42%) of
respondents they outlay less than 25 birr, 20(40%) of respondents revealed that they outlay about 25-35
birr, 6(6%) of them stated 35 -45 birr and 3(6%) of respondent expense above 55 birr. Therefore the data
depicted that how much birr spent one chewer per day and also it indicates that the respondents have a
permanent expense for khat, because of this decrease their income level.
Finally, in the above data most of respondent are found on expense of low price, even though they are
found in low price expense, inversely it comprises most of users.
Table 15 Distribution of the affordability of khat
The affordability of khat

Frequency %
Cheap 30 60%
Medium 11 22%
Expensive 9 18%
Total 50 100%
As indicating in the above table, from all respondents 30(60%) of them responded that the affordability
of khat is cheap. Beside to this 11(22%) of respondents showed that the affordability of khat is medium.
Moreover 9(18%) of the respondents mentioned that the affordability of khat is expensive. From the
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above table, one can understand that, the majority of respondents believes the expense for khat is cheap
because of this they simply purchase khat without any difficulty. This situation leads into the
aggravating of khat users.
Table 16 Distribution of respondent’s habit after chewing khat
The habits that use after chewing khat

Frequency %
Coffee 17 34%
Shisha 3 6%
Tea 5 10%
Alcohol 25 50%
Total 50 100%

As shown in the the above table, concerning the additional in takes after chewing the khat revealed that
out of 50 respondent those chew khat, all of respondents replied that they would take another things
additionally which customarily known as “chebsi’’. Among the respondents 17(34%) of them take
coffee, 25(50%) of them take Aclohol, 5(10%) of them take Tea and the least one 3(6%) of the
respondent take shisha after chewing khat. Finally it is clear that most of people use extra things after
they chewing khat. The data witness most of people are face economic, social and health problem.
Table17 Distribution of respondent’s habit during khat chewing
List of Habits(Alcohols)
Frequency %
Coca-Cola 15 30%
Cigarette 18 36%
Shisha 12 24%
Peanut or sugar 5 10%
Total 50 100%
As shown in the above table, out of the 50 respondent who chew khat, all of them use additional things
while chewing khat, 15(30%) of respondents use coca cola followed by 18(36%) of respondent those use
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cigarette, 12(24%) of them are use shisha and 5(10%) of them use Peanut or sugar. Therefore, the data
indicated that, there are additional habits supplement with khat while chewing such as; coca cola,
cigarette, shisha and Peanut or sugar in their descending order regarding their utilization.
As a general the data manifests that most percent of people use extra things while they chewing khat for
many days per week, which is the most push factor for the increasing so many problems, like economic
problems, health problems and social problems.
Table 18 Distribution of respondent’s expense for Alcohol
The expenses for Alcohols Frequency %

Less than 25 birr 26 52%
25-35 birr 14 28%
35-44 birr 10 20%
Total 50 100%
The table of above describes that, the amount of birr that spent for different habit. Thus, the data shows
that 26(52%) of respondents they spent less than 25 birr, 14(28%) of respondents are spent between 25-
35 birr and 10(20%) of respondents are spent between 35-45 birr. According to the data the most
respondent spent their income for different habit that use with chat. This situation leads the society in to
different economic, social and health problems.
Table 19 Distribution of the impact of khat on health
The impact of khat on health

Frequency %
Luck of sleep 8 16%

Luck of concentration on work
14 28%
Physical weakness 13 26%
Impotent 15 30%
Total 50 100%
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As depicted in the above table, concerning on khat chewing practice harming on the health. Thus the
data indicates all of the respondents face problems on their health, among those health problems
impotent problem face most respondents. Besides this 14(28%) of respondents face luck of
concentration in work, 13(26%) of respondents get physical weakness and the most least problems that
face respondents is lack of sleep.
Generally, the data explain that most people face impotent problems, this problem lead the family into
divorce because it is the series problem that given by ones person more attention.
Regarding on this key informants says, khat chewing have so many health impacts that we see from khat
chewer, among those health problems low sexual desire with their couples, these problems create high
level of divorce that affect our society.
Table 20 Distribution of respondents feeling that occurs when not gate khat
%
The feeling of respondents Frequency
F e e l i n g o f 28 58%
j i t t e r
Luck of confidence 8 16%
Violence with the family and the
society 14 28%
5 0 1 0 0 %
Total
Source: own survey (2013E.C

As shown the above table, out of 50 respondents who chew, 28(58%) of them feel feeling of excitement
when not get khat on time, 8(16%) of them feel lack of confidence and 14(28%) of respondents feel
29 | P a g e
violence with their family and society. They do not get khat on time such as feeling of excitement, lack
of confidence and violence with the family and with the society. Beside on this feeling occurs so many
crises and difficulty on the society for example, thief, and soon.
4.4 Discussion
As it was discussed under the literature part of the study, the consequence of khat chewing has been
higher in Ethiopia. In the same manner, this study found that out of the targeted sample, the current
consequence of khat chewing is very higher. This consequence was higher than that of study conducted
in Southwest Ethiopia, among Jimma university (Meressa, 2009) and at Jimma university (Dessalegn
T,2014).
Different studies proved that gender and age are closely linked to life style and the use of khat(Ihunwo et
al 2004, WHO,2010). Gender wise, researchers have found that men have been found to engage in the
use of khat more often than women. Hence, men are more likely to suffer from adverse health effects of
khat chewing than women. This difference might have occurred because female are more culturally
restricted from exposure to khat chewing than males in their childhood and their later lives. Age and the
incidence of khat chewing, on the other hand, are inversely related.
Regarding the frequency of chewing, the current study revealed that the majority of participants had
equally used khat daily. The daily and prolonged use of khat could be related to the nature of the
participants’ economic status, living conditions and the affordability of khat. The price of khat, for
instance, is reported as it is relatively cheaper 20 Birr average expenditure per day for those who chew
daily. From this finding it can be predicted that use of khat is Avery huge economic and health problem
in this kebele 18 Community.
When we see the reasons that initiated to begin khat chewing practice, according to the respondents
different reasons to begin chewing khat such as; to forget problems, it facilitate social interaction, to
work along hours, to pass time and to get courage. This finding is similar to the previous report which
indicates that khat has been chewed for the same purposes (Megerssa B.,2013.,Molla T, 1994).The detail
of the discussion with regarding to the consequences associated khat chewing is presented in the
following sub-section.
All the current khat chewer reported that they were aware of the health effects of khat chewing. Hence,
knowledge of health consequences associated to khat chewing is not necessarily protective factor against
use of khat. Lack of sleep, losing appetite, physical weakness and decrease sexual desire were identified
as the major health challenges associated to the respondents’ khat in take. The impact of khat chewing
30 | P a g e
on appetite was revealed by( Gorfu M.,2006) which was similar to the finding of this study.Regarding
economic impacts, on average one khat chewer was found to spend 20 Birr per day for khat purchasing.
Most of respondents reported that they have incurred financial problem to cover basic needs of family
and for himself because of khat chewing behavior. This indicates that the many spent for khat is higher.
This finding similar with the study conducted in Southwest Ethiopia, among Jimma university student
(Isayas A, 2013).
When we see the cultural implication of the society for khat chewing, it is the unique character of this
study from other studies that listed above, because most of the researcher focused on the consequences
of khat chewing.
CHAPTER FIVE
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 CONCLUSION
Khat consumption has negative impacts on economic, social and health as indicated in many literatures.
Although the literature on khat and its prevalence among different segments of the population is uneven,
its expansion has been growing extensively. Accordingly to the organized data, khat consumptions and
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expansions might depend on sex, employment condition, and educational background. Among these
factors, the consumption and expansion of khat is maximum in individuals at the employed. In
consumption, resources, time and money are utilized. Individuals chew for about different days with in a
weekly and pay different amount of birr per day.
Khat consumptions expansion depends on various factors such as influences of friends assuming it
provides enjoyment, easily accessible supply and lack of job and for the job moral incremental.
Today khat consumption is wide spread throughout the country. Khat abuse begins at a young age and
there seems to be no upper age limit for the average chewer.
khat is one of the agricultural products with economic values. However, the speeding up of its
consumption has its own impact on social, economic and health. According to the witness of the
respondents among the mentioned impacts khat chewing trigger in reduction of food appetite, sexual
desire and rise in need of alcohol in takes collectively, the respondents revealed chewing khat has both
personal and social impacts that influence the working condition relationship, social trust and confidence
and economic out comes.
Lastly, to overcome the negative outcomes of khat consumption, respondents have proposed different
valuable mechanisms that can be undertaken by both governments and society such as creating adequate
job opportunities, limiting khat trade, creating awareness and community conversation
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the data indication the outcomes, the following points are forwarded in order to decrease the
expansion and negative outcome of khat consumption.
 Government should limit or control khat supply and distributions in trading especially in
public entertainment areas, work place, school compounds, it is possible to overcome the
alarming expansions.
 Government should impose heavy taxes, to manage khat expansion, consumptions, and
then reducing its negative impacts.
 Governments and nongovernmental organizations should join efforts to provide adequate
access for recreational facilities.
 The government should be design control measures on circulation of illicit
substances.
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 Teachers and parents have to be made aware the importance of open discussions and
follow-up of young people.
 Different religion leaders must teach the community about the negative consequence of
khat.
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YosefG,Hog Z, Lambert T- khat chewing as a cause of psychosis.Br J Hosp Med, 1995 ; 54(7) ;
322.26.REFERENCE
Baasher. T.A (1980) .The use of khat a stimulant with regional distribution.In drug problems in
the socio cultural context A basis for policies and programmed planning
Cox G &Rampes H,(2003).Adverse effects of khat chewing; a review; Journal of continuing

professional development: Advances in psychiatric Treatment, vol.9, 456-463
Dechasalemessa (2001). Khat (Catha edulis): Botany distribution cultivation usage and economic
in Ethiopia (agriculturalist) UN – Emergencies unit for Ethiopia: Addis Ababa.
Eneh,A. U, & Stanley, p.c.(2004). Pattern of substance use among Secondary School
students in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Medicine,13(1). etnopharmacolosy .USA: State
university.
Giannini A.J Burge, H – shaheen J.M Rpnce, W.A (1986) khat another drug of abuse? Journal
of psychoactive drugs 18, 155-158
Halbach H. (1972). Medical aspects of the chewing of khat leaves. Bull of world health
organization 47,21-29http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/9/6/456#BIBL
Kidan A, (2011). Psychoactive Substance Abuse and Intention to Stop Among Students of
Mekele University, Ethiopia.
Kebede Y. Cigarette smoking and khat chewing among college students in North West Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Journal of Health Development 2002.
Kalix(1984)the pharmacology of khat. General pharmacology. Switzerland:Geneva.
35 | P a g e
Kalix (1987) khat scientific knowledge and policy issues. British journal of addiction 82,47-57
Kalix P. (1994) khat, an amphetamic like stimulant journal or psychoactive drugs
Kalix&Broenden (1985). Pharmacological aspect of the chewing as khat leaves.

Pharmacological reviews 97,149-154
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north Yemen.1st edition.Losangeles: Springer
Krikoriun, A.D (1984) – Khat and its use an historical perspective journal of National Institution
on Drug Abuse. (2010) The science of drug
abuseandaddiction;NIDAInfofacts;khat;wwwDOI:www.nih.gov/infofacts/khat; html.
Marelign T, Malaju, Gistane A. (2013). Association of khat and alcohol use with HIV infaction
among youth in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study. Department of public Health.
Pantelis C, Hindler CG, Taylors JC. Use and abuse of khat (Catha edulis): a review of the
distribution, pharmacology, side effects and a description of psychosis attributed to khat
chewing. Psycho Med 1989; 19(3): 657-68
Syoum G and Ayalew G. A report on rapid assessment of the situation of drug and substance
abuse in selected urban areas in Ethiopia prepared for MOH and UNDP Nov.1995
United nations office on drugs and crime.(2008).Technical seminar on Drug Addiction privation
and Treatment from Research to practice, Vienna, 16-18 December
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Organization, Geneva: WHO Offset publication No. 50.
World Health Organization.(2006):Regional workshop on prevention, management, and

treatment of Alcohol and proactive substance use disorders in the African region.
Brazaville:World Health Organization regional office for Africa.
YosefG,Hog Z, Lambert T- khat chewing as a cause of psychosis.Br J Hosp Med, 1995 ; 54(7) ;
322.26.
36 | P a g e
UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
COLLAGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
APPENDIX -1
Proposed; Dear respondent
This is questionnaire prepared for collecting data on the socio-cultural implication and
consequences of chewing khat in Gondar city in collage keebele 18 for partial fulfillment of(BA)
37 | P a g e
degree in social work primarily; it is meant for academic research. Therefore, you can respond
the information that you have genuinely and freely.
PART I: Socio-demographic information of respondent
1. Age a)15_20 b) 20-25 c) 26-30
d) 31-35 e) 36-40 f) 40 and above
2. Sex a).Male b).Female
3. Educational statues a).Illiterate b).Literate c) primary school

d) secondary school. e) preparatory school. f) Diploma g) Degree. H) Above
Degree
4. Occupation a).Employee b). Un employed
c).Farmer d). Student
e).Merchant f) Other…………
5. Religion a).Muslim b). Orthodox c).Protestant
d).Catholic e). Other (specify here………………….)
6. Ethnicity).Oromo b).Amhara
c) Dawuro d).Other(specify here……..)
PART II: Socio-Cultural Implication of Khat chewing
7. Have you ever chewed khat? a).Yes b). No
8. Are you currently khat chewer? a).Yes b). No
38 | P a g e
9. If yes and currently chewing how often do you chew khat(PerWeaK)?
a).1_2 days b). 3-5 days c). Every days
10. Why do you chew khat? Indicate the number in the box. You can thick more than one
a). It helps me to forget problems( to reduce stress)
b). It facilitates social interaction
c). It helps me to work for long hours without getting tired
d). Help me pass time/ recreation
e). It help me get courage or self- confidence
f). Other, specify here………………………………………………………..
11`.Whould you think khat chewing have impact on social relation?
a) Yes b) No
12. Is there any cultural influence for khat chewing practice in your society?
a) Yes b) No
13. If yes for question 12, specify here…………………………………………..
14. Does your family know your khat chewing behavior?
a) Yes b) No
15. If yes how do you relate with your parents because of your khat chewing?
a). They like me very much b). They fairly like me
c). they do not like me
16. Have you experienced any kind of, direct or indirect, violence with your Family or
your couples? a) Yes b) No
39 | P a g e
17. Are you always able to stop chewing khat when you want to?
a). Yes b). No
18. If yes, have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms when you stoped chewing
khat? a) Yes b) No
PART III: Economic and Health Consequences of khat chewing
19. Are the khat chewer successful on their economy ?
A) Yes b)No
20. How much your monthly income? a) Below 500 b) 501-2000
c) Above 2000
21. How much your expense in monthly for Household needs?(specify here………..)
22. How much Birr, on average, do you spent daily for purchasing khat?( please, specify
here………………………………………..)
23. How do you perceive the affordability of khat?
a). Cheap b). Medium c). Expensive
24. Do you have any habit after chewing khat.
a). Yes b).No
25. If yes specify here…………………………………………………………..
26. What kind of alcohol you are use during khat chewing ?
a) Beer b) Cigarette c) shisha d) Hashish
27. How much Birr, do you spent for such habit (specify here……………………..)
28. Do you think chewing khat is harming to health?
40 | P a g e
a).Yes b).No
29. From the below problems which effects did you experienced because of khat
chewing? You can thick more than one
a) Lack of sleep
b) Lack of concentration in work
c) Physical weakness
d) Headache/mental illness/ depression
e) Impotent
f) Other problems, specify here……………………………
30. What do you feel when you are not get khat on time ?
a) Feeling of excitement
b) Lack of confidence
c) Violence with the family and society
d) Other specify here…………………………….
UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR
COLLAGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
Appendix 2
Appendix 2: Interview Guide for Religious Leader/Key informants/.
This interview is designed to Religious Leaders of kebele 18 and the purpose of this
interview is to collect data regarding the socio-cultural implication and consequences of
khat chewing. So dear Religious leader to accomplish this study your genuine and
41 | P a g e
cooperation is very essential. Thanks so much for your interest and cooperation to fill this
interview.
1. What is the socio cultural implication of collage Kebele 18 community about khat
chewing ?.........................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. What did say your Religion regarding khat chewing?
……………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………….
3. What do you say about the collage Kebele society social relationships?
regarding khat chewing ? …………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Have any consequences that come behind khat chewing? If your answer Is yes; please
list the consequences in detail?
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
42 | P a g e

The Socio-Cultural Impact of Khat Chewing Among Students

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The Socio-Cultural Impact of Khat Chewing Among Students

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Contents

According to a study by African Journal of Drug and Alcohol studies(2007), in Ethiopia

Ho: Khats chewing behavior and sociocultural have no significant relation.

1.7 Scope of the study

1.8. Organization of the Paper

Chapter five comprised integrated discussions of quantitative and qualitative phase

2.1 Conceptual and operational definitions of terms Conceptual definitions

Khat - It is a stimulant drug derived from a shrub known as Catha edulis.

The substance considered in this study is Khat.

2.3 Concepts on the definition of khat

3.9 Conceptual frame work

Impact on health Socio-economic impact

4. FINDING AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents

Educational status Frequency %

read and write 15 3 0 %

Table 5 Distribution of respondents by Ethnicity

4.2 Socio-cultural Implication of khat chewing

The days use for khat

1-2 days 17 34%

Source: own survey (2013E.C)

Reasons for khat chewing

Is there any culture

Source: own survey (2013E.C)

Table 9 Distribution of family’s knowledge on chewing behavior

Source: own survey (2010E.C)

Table 10 Distribution of the respondent’s relation with their Families

The relation of khat chewer with their families

They like me very much - -

They fairly like me 10 2 0 %

Source: own survey (20013E.C)

No Are the khat chewers successful on their economy?

Monthly income (birr) Frequency Percentage%

Table 14 Distribution of respondent expense for khat

The expense for khat per day

The affordability of khat

The habits that use after chewing khat

Source: own survey (2009E.C)

The expenses for Alcohols Frequency %

The impact of khat on health

Luck of sleep 8 16%

Source: own survey (2009E.C)

Source: own survey (2013E.C

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Cox G &Rampes H,(2003).Adverse effects of khat chewing; a review; Journal of continuing

Kalix(1984)the pharmacology of khat. General pharmacology. Switzerland:Geneva.

Kalix P. (1994) khat, an amphetamic like stimulant journal or psychoactive drugs

Kalix&Broenden (1985). Pharmacological aspect of the chewing as khat leaves.

World Health Organization.(2006):Regional workshop on prevention, management, and

Cox G &Rampes H,(2003).Adverse effects of khat chewing; a review; Journal of continuing

Kalix(1984)the pharmacology of khat. General pharmacology. Switzerland:Geneva.

Kalix P. (1994) khat, an amphetamic like stimulant journal or psychoactive drugs

Kalix&Broenden (1985). Pharmacological aspect of the chewing as khat leaves.

World Health Organization.(2006):Regional workshop on prevention, management, and

COLLAGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

PART I: Socio-demographic information of respondent

1. Age a)15_20 b) 20-25 c) 26-30

d) 31-35 e) 36-40 f) 40 and above

2. Sex a).Male b).Female

3. Educational statues a).Illiterate b).Literate c) primary school

4. Occupation a).Employee b). Un employed