March 2017 Vol. 5 No.3

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Original Research Article

The effect of Khat Chewing (Catha edulis) among college students of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and health related factors

Yahya Hassan Hobani and Shiju Mathew^*

Department of Medical Lab Technology, College Applied Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 1289, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author’s Email: sjohn@jazanu.edu.sa

Accepted March 14, 2017

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of health related issues associated with Khat (Catha edulis) chewing i.e., Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Cholestrol, Hypertension and other associated factors among the college students of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was used for collecting the data and determining the other clinical parameters. Standard kit protocols were used to estimate the various parameter SPSS version 17 software program was used for data analysis. The study revealed an overall prevalence of DM of 20% in Jazan Region in the selected participants. The study did not find an independent relationship between diabetes and khat chewing. The habit is highly prevalent among Jazan population. The investigation further documented an association between diabetes and physical activity. There is a significant of 20% students found to be hypoglycaemic. The group with physical activity had the lowest prevalence of diabetes. Furthermore, it was evaluated that there was no association between Khat chewing and BMI. Most of the participants (82%) BMI recorded within the normal range and in addition to that, the prevalence of cholesterol of 14% among the khat chewing students in Jazan Region. This estimate is far less than what has been reported by previous studies in KSA. It was also revealed that a higher percentage of Khat chewing students in Jazan Region are suffering from hypertension and smoking habits in the selected participants. The use of Khat trend is increasing among higher education students in Jazan Region. A multilevel, value based, comprehensive, and strategic long-term intervention plan is needed. The comprehensive plan may include social interventions geared by creating recreations alternatives and opportunities for youths.

Key words: Associated factors, Cholesterol, Diabetes mellitus, Habits, Khat, Prevalence, Hypertension, Body mass index