Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence and behavioral patterns of Khat chewing and (2) to investigate factors that influenced the pattern of Khat use among undergraduate students in different higher education institutions in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a pretested structured self-administered quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 17 software program was used for data analysis.
Results: The overall current Khat chewing prevalence among higher education students was found to be 23.1%, significantly higher among males at 38.5% than among females at 2.1% (P < 0.001). Lifetime Khat chewer students were 24.8% for males at 40.5%, significantly higher compared with females at 3.7% (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that the gender of student, smoking status of student, a friend's smoking, and Khat chewing were associated with a significant high risk of Khat chewing (P < 0.001 for all).
Conclusions: 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 youth and a critical review for current authorities' interventions and services.