Assessments of Sexual Practices and Khat Chewing Habits Among Dire Dawa University Students, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the sexual practices, experiences and khat chewing habits among Dire Dawa university students. The participants of the study were 201 under graduate students selected from Dire Dawa University. The sample of study was taken through stratified and simple random sampling techniques.  To collect the data, questionnaires and scales were used. The data was analyzed and interpreted by both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study shows that the sexual practices of the respondents having sex with uncommitted partners 136 (67.7%) was the higher response for sexual practices and having sex before discussing risk factors 131 (65.2) and sex under the influence of khat chewing 82 (40.8%) were reported by the study participants. The study shows that the sexual experiences of the respondents having sexual intercourse after joining campus life  was 81 (40.3%) and whereas the majority 120 (59.7%) of them reported that they have sexual experiences before joining campus. The study participants stated a number of reasons for khat chewing habits such as to increase academic performance and religious practices were mentioned by 44.3% and 14.4% of study participants respectively. There is a positive correlation between students’ khat chewing score and sexual practice, r = .774, n = 201, p < .000, with sexual experience, r = .459, n = 201, p < .000. This study finding showed that from the total respondents about 77.1% of the respondents reported they had experienced khat chewing. Khat chewing is associated with sexual practices and sexual experiences of students. As such, treatment and prevention measures are needed to prevent the students from engaging in khat chewing habits which may lead towards risky sexual behaviors.

Keywords: Sexual Practices; Khat Chewing Habits; University Students.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-5-06

Publication date:March 31^st 2020