Prevalence and factors associated with khat use among minibus workers in northern Tanzania

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Khat use is a growing public health concern. Chewed for its stimulant effect, khat can have serious negative social, economic, psychological and health consequences. Little is known about the epidemiology of khat use in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine prevalence and factors associated with khat use among minibus workers in Moshi Municipality, northern Tanzania.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 minibus workers between May and July 2015 in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Respondents were sampled from commuter bus stations and interviewed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with khat use.

RESULTS

Prevalence of khat use among minibus workers in Moshi Municipality was found to be 46.5%. Age (OR= 4.68, 95% CI 1.47-14.92), hazardous alcohol use (OR=3.39, 95% CI 1.09-10.53), current cigarette smoking (OR=10.41, 95% CI 2.99-36.26) and having multiple sexual partners (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.04-3.53) were factors associated with khat use.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of minibus workers used khat. Age, hazardous alcohol use, cigarette smoking and having multiple sexual partners were associated with khat use. These findings call for awareness creation about health and social consequences of khat use in line with other risk behaviors like alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, especially when linked with public transportation services.