Publication: Factors Influencing The Prevalence of Khat Chewing Among The Youth in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya
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2023-03
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
The consumption of khat has a significant health and financial impact to the nation, as well
as an increasing public health hazard. khat usage reduces users' effectiveness, makes them
more sensitive to health issues, and increases their chance of committing crimes. In this
sense, they pose a risk to society and place a strain on the health system. As such, the
current study examined factors attributing to the prevalence of khat effects of Khat chewing
on well-being among the youth in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya. The following objectives
guided the study; to find out factors that contribute to Khat chewing to determine the
prevalence of khat chewing, to assess the effects of khat consumption awareness on health,
and to assess the effects awareness of khat consumption on social-economic life among
youth in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, Kenya. The research was led by Social Learning and
Reference Group theories, which were critical in understanding why individuals engage in
Khat intake and other Khat-related behaviour. The study used a survey research approach in
which a questionnaire was used to collect information from a sample of participants. The
research focused on 200 teenagers from Section I, 150 from Section II, and 100 from
Section III, which has a smaller population than the other sections. The research also
targeted (2) two people from each Division who were above the age of 35. As a result, the
study's target population was 456 people. The research sample included 384 youth and six
Key Informants, totaling 390 individuals. The three Divisions in this research were chosen
on purpose since they represent Eastleigh's three major Divisions. As a result, their findings
most likely mirrored the real situation in the targeted group. A pilot study was conducted
prior to data collection to evaluate the questionnaire utilized in this investigation. To ensure
validity, the researcher sent the questionnaire results to specialists who determined if the
questions were acceptable. In assessing consistency for multi-item measures, a cut-off of
more than 0.7 was considered adequate. Chi-square inferential statistics were employed to
establish a one-to-one link between the independent and dependent variables. This served as
the foundation for either rejecting or accepting the null hypothesis. To examine qualitative
data, the researcher used the content analysis approach. Graphs, tables, and pie charts were
used to present a result. NACOTSI, MKU, and consent from respondents were consulted on
ethical considerations in this sstudy. According to the report, 36.06% of respondents were
introduced to Khat by their neighbours or peers. According to the research, 70% of
youngsters ingest Khat, indicating that khat usage is widespread in EightLeigh. The study
discovered that 66.67% were aware of the negative consequences of khat intake on health
yet continued to use it. According to the survey, the rate of khat use is high, and most
youngsters are aware of the effects of khat consumption on health and social-economic life.
As a result, the research advised that the government and stakeholders educate the people about the health risks associated with Khat