Psychosocial aspects of Khat use among the youth in Eastleigh -Nairobi

Abstract

The plant khat (catha edulis) is grown in Kenya and khat use is a widespread habit among the youth living in Eastleigh- Nairobi Kenya. It has peculiarity of producing certain influences on the psychosocial well being of community using it. The aim of the present study was to determine the socio-demographic correlates of khat users, patterns of khat use, attitudes and evaluate the associated social and psychological problems. A Cross- sectional descriptive study was undertaken of stratified random sampling using face-to-face interviews. Preset selection criteria regarding age and use of khat were taken into consideration. The study was carried out in sections of Eastleigh area located in Nairobi city. A sample size of 201 youth (15-30yrs), (138 males and 63 females) living in Eastleigh area. The study population was composed of Muslims and Christians with diversified ethnic groups. Socio-demographic data questionnaire, NOK Scale for Depression and anxiety, Beck's Depression Inventory and W.H.O Quality of life instrument. [Data was analyzed using the EPI INFO Version 10 to generate descriptive statistics. The results were presented in graphs and tables]. In this study, it was revealed that there was a higher number of males 138 (69%) than females 63 (31%), Muslims 108 (54%) more than Christians 93 (46%), Somalis (23.8%) more than other ethnic groups, unmarried 76 (37.8%) more than married 34 (17%) who were khat users. One hundred and four (52%) denied of awareness of any harmful effects of khat. Seventy seven (35%) stated that khat use was not a problem in Eastleigh area, 83 (41%) claimed

that it was a problem but only to a minor extent. The following were significantly associated with khat use: • There was a strong association between khat use and use of other drugs (p< 0.001). • A strong association was observed between employment and the quantity of khat chewed (p<O.OOI) • There was a significant relationship between level of income and quantity of khat chewed (p< 0.001). • There was a strong association between marital status and the quantity of khat chewed, those who were not married chewed more than the married (p<O.OOI) • There was a significant relationship between the duration of khat chewing and changes observed in the relationships (p<O.OOI). NOK scale for depression and anxiety revealed mild cases of depression and anxiety of 60 (29.8%) and 29 (14.4%) severe cases. Beck's depression inventory revealed 120 (59.7%)cases of mild - moderate cases of depression and 25 (12.4%) severe cases. Khat use is an expensive habit, with expenditure ranging between (ksh 6,000- 12,000)a month on khat and other drugs. Khat use has a social dimension and occupies a significant proportion of one's time. Most khat users had a history of khat use in the family. The fact that psycho-social problems associated with khat use in this study is comparable to some of the studies carried out in other parts of the world, warrants the need to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in the identification of khat related problems and addressing them adequately. However,a similar study with a control group is deemed as necessary in order to compare and confirm the findings in this study. This would enable the mental health professionals to effectively manage problems that are associated with khat use.