Khat Chewing Practice and Associated Factors among Medical Students in Gondar Town, Ethiopia, 2019

Substance use among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, khat, or drugs among young people is becoming a public health concern globally, with particularly high prevalence rates in low and middle-income settings, where socio-cultural and economic factors contribute to distinct challenges in addressing this problem. This review aimed to summarize the current literature on the prevalence of substance use among young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and identify gaps in the current body of literature.

Methods

Seven databases and Google were searched for studies reporting on substance use prevalence among young people (aged 10-24 years) in SSA, published between January 2010 and May 2024. Observational studies were included, assessed for methodological quality, and checked for the presence of heterogeneity and publication bias using standard methods. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled proportions for substance use among young people.

Results

The literature search identified 1,889 hits from the databases and Google. Among these 60 eligible studies involving 83,859 respondents were included in the review. The overall lifetime, 12-month, and current prevalence of any substance use among young people in SSA was found to be 21.0% (95% CI= 18.0, 24.0), 18% (95% CI=10,27), and 15% (95% CI=12,18), respectively. Among young people from SSA, alcohol use problem was the most prevalent (40%), followed by khat use (25%), stimulant use (20%), and cigarette smoking (16%). Other substances used by a smaller proportion of young people included cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, sedatives, shisha, hallucinogens, steroids, and mastics. The prevalence of substance use problems was higher among males compared to females, highest in the southern African region followed by Western and Eastern regions, and in community-based studies compared to institutional-based studies.

Conclusions

In SSA, over a fourth of young people use at least one substance in their lifetime, with higher rates among males than females and in community-based compared to institution-based studies. These results emphasize the need for interventions targeting the wider young population and those in specific subgroups identified as being at higher risk of substance use. This approach allows for the provision of tailored support and resources to those who need it most while also promoting positive health outcomes for the entire population of young people in the region.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022366774, identifier CRD42022366774.

Determinants of undernutrition among khat chewing and non-khat chewing male adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Khat chewing is a deep-rooted socio-cultural tradition that affects appetite, gastric emptying, and food intake, ultimately influencing nutritional status. Moreover, there is significant variation in lifestyles and ways of living among khat chewing and non-chewing people. However, there is limited evidence on the disaggregated determinants of undernutrition among khat chewers and non-chewers in Ethiopia. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 253 Khat-chewing and 249 non-chewing male adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Weight and height were measured under standard procedure and used to calculate the body mass index (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 indicates undernutrition). Variables with p-values below 0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify factors associated with undernutrition and to control confounding respectively. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare the presence and the strength of association between the independent and outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p value of 0.05. In this study, a total of 138 (27.5%: 23.6-31.6%) adult males were undernourished; among them, 78 (32.0%) were khat chewers and 60 (23.9%) were non chewers. Christian religion (AOR = 1.49; 1.02-2.30), vegetable consumption (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.12-2.55) and khat chewing (AOR = 1.60; 1.04-2.45) were independent risk factors for undernutrition. However, none of the above factors showed a statistically significant association among non-khat chewer male adults. In conclusion, undernutrition was a public health concern in male adults in the study area. Frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables and family size of the households were the independent predictors of undernutrition. The practical implication of identifying risk factors of undernutrition among chewers and non-chewers could be helpful in depicting the relevant risk factors by exposure category and helping to further refine intervention packages. In addition, focusing on interventions which can increase the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables are important to improve the nutritional status of adult male populations.

Determinants of Adverse Birth Outcomes in Public Hospitals of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia: A Multicenter Unmatched Case-Control Study

Background

Pregnancy outcomes that differ from normal live births are known as adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes also have significant effects on the infant's family and society. There is limited data on adverse outcomes in eastern Ethiopia, particularly in the Somali region.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the determinants of adverse birth outcomes in the Somali Region Hospitals.

Design

A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted to conduct this study.

Methods

A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted between June and July 2021 in pregnant women who attended public hospitals in the Somali region. A total of 327 (109 cases and 218 controls) participants were included in this study. Women who gave birth with at least 1 adverse birth outcome were considered cases, and those who gave birth with normal birth outcomes were considered controls. Cases were recruited consecutively, and controls were selected using systematic sampling methods. Data was gathered using interviews, record reviews, using the pretested standard tools. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 22. Multivariable regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. Finally, P-values less than .05 were used to identify significantly associated predictors.

Results

In the current study, rural residency [AOR = 2.80; 95%CI:(1.61-4.87)] lack of ANC follow-up [AOR = 3.27; 95%CI: (1.77-6.02)], pregnancy-induced hypertension [AOR = 3.28; 95%CI: (1.74-6.17)] being anemic mothers [AOR = 3.51; 95%CI: (2.02-6.07)] and khat chewing [AOR = 4.54; 95%CI: (2.12-9.70)] were identified as determinants of adverse birth outcome.

Conclusions

In the current study, rural residency, lack of ANC, being anemic in indexed pregnancies, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and khat chewing were determinants of adverse birth outcomes. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance ANC follow-up, iron and folic acid supplementation, early treatments of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and information on the risk of chewing khat.