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AuthorAlshakka, M.
AuthorBadulla, W. F. S.
AuthorAl-Abd, N.
AuthorIbrahim, Mohamed Izham Mohamed
Available date2022-04-10T10:25:32Z
Publication Date2020
Publication NameSubstance Use and Misuse
ResourceScopus
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2019.1688350
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/29400
AbstractBackground: Khat chewing has a negative impact on an individual’s life. Objectives: The study was execute to assess health sciences students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding khat use in Yemen. Methods: This survey involved health sciences students from Aden University. Approximately 500 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The data were collected using a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire. The data were tabulated and descriptively analyzed. Results: The total number of respondents was 500. Almost half of the students reported that they chewed khat (n = 239, 48%). Approximately 66% (n = 330) of the students spent 2000 Yemeni riyals or less (USD1 = YER249.9) per day on khat. The main reasons for chewing khat were ‘it is a social habit’ (n = 155, 31%), followed by ‘it improves my concentration when studying or working’ (n = 140, 28%). Students knew that the effects of khat are similar to those of amphetamines (n = 210, 42.0%) and that khat is addictive (n = 254, 50.8%). Additionally, they knew that cathinone is the dependence-producing constituent of khat leaves (n = 269, 53.8%). The students agreed with the following statements: ‘I will advise people to cease khat use’; ‘Khat chewing is harmful to health’; ‘Children and adolescents should not chew khat’; ‘Khat chewing helps people stay awake’; and ‘Health professionals serve as role models for patients and the public’. Conclusions: Khat chewing is prevalent among Yemeni university health sciences students. Only about half of the students recognized health risks associated with khat use. Also, among those who used khat, students endorsed positive benefits such as improved concentration.
Languageen
PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd
SubjectAddiction
cathinone derivative
Khat chewing
University students
TitleKnowledge and Attitudes on Khat Use among Yemeni Health Sciences Students
TypeArticle
Pagination557-563
Issue Number4
Volume Number55
dc.accessType Abstract Only


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