Perception and Treatment Practices of Youths with Khat Chewing in Dessie Town, North-East Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyfu Chekole ◽  
Awoke Mihretu ◽  
Solomon Teferra

Abstract Background: Khat (Catha edulis) chewing has been a highly prevalent practice among youth in Ethiopia. Although several studies investigated its adverse effects, there is a gap in evidence on treatment experience of youth with khat use. Therefore, this study explored the perception of youth on khat chewing and their treatment practice. Methods: The study employed a qualitative study design. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews (N=6), focus group discussions (N=15) and key informants (N=2) interview using purposive sampling. Audio recorded data was manually transcribed and translated, and thematically analyzed. Results: The study found that personal, social and environmental factors were responsible for the habit of chewing khat. Most respondents reported benefits or positive consequences of khat use. They endorsed that khat helps them to feel relaxed, relieve tension and stress, and feel happy, although many admitted feeling depressed after the effect wanes. It would also make them alert, active, and energetic. Participants also reported that khat was easily available and khat use was a social behavior. They learned it from their elders. To manage the negative effects of khat, participants took different coping measures such as drinking too much water, taking alcohols and milk to manage dehydration and break the feeling high. Conclusion: Youth perceived khat use as habitual practice. They didn’t have any modern treatment experience, except personal coping strategies. Future studies should emphasize on khat use literacy, screening, and treatment engagement especially for problematic khat users.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037907
Author(s):  
Awoke Mihretu ◽  
Abebaw Fekadu ◽  
Kassahun Habtamu ◽  
Clement Nhunzvi ◽  
Sam Norton ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore how problematic khat use is characterised in the Gurage community in South Central Ethiopia.DesignQualitative study.SettingGurage community in South Central Ethiopia.ParticipantsWe conducted indepth interviews with 14 khat users and 5 non-khat users, and three focus group discussions with khat users.MethodsAll participants were selected purposively based on their exposure to khat or khat use. We used an interview guide to explore the perceptions of participants about khat use and problematic khat use. We analysed the data thematically using OpenCode V.4.03 software. We used iterative data collection and analysis, triangulation of methods, and respondent validation to ensure scientific rigour.FindingsWe identified three major themes: sociocultural khat use, khat suse (khat addiction) and negative consequences of khat use. Sociocultural khat use included a broad range of contexts and patterns, including use of khat for functional, social, cultural and religious reasons. Khat addiction was mainly explained in terms of associated khat withdrawal experiences, including harara/craving and inability to quit. We identified mental health, sexual life, physical health, social and financial negative consequences of khat use. The local idiom jezba was used to label a subgroup of individuals with khat suse (khat addiction).ConclusionThe study has identified what constitutes normative and problematic khat use in the Gurage community in South Central Ethiopia. Problematic khat use is a broad concept which includes frequency, reasons, contexts, negative consequences and addiction to khat. Insights generated can be used to inform future studies on the development of tools to measure problematic khat use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21
Author(s):  
Gudina Abashula Fojo ◽  
Abulu Tesfa

This study aims to come up with empirically based evidence concerning the dilemma of khat (Catha edulis Forsk, a natural green leaf used as a stimulant. This study carried out in selected areas in the Jimma Zone, Oromia National Regional State, South West Ethiopia, in order to clarify the dilemma to use it based on empirical evidence concerning its socio-economic benefits and harms. To this end, 397 samples selected randomly using a probability sampling method from the study areas and a survey undertaken using closed and open-ended questionnaires. Moreover, key informant interviews and focus group discussions carried out in order to collect qualitative data to supplement the survey study. Descriptive statistics like percentages mean and inferential statistics, such as chi-square used to analyze the quantitative data. On the other hand, the thematic analysis used to analyze the qualitative data. The result showed that the respondents had experienced various types of problems they attributed to khat use. As far as the specific economic problems experienced by the respondents were concerned, they were unable to be punctual on work, absent from work, and exposed to unnecessary costs. Moreover, the respondents said that they were unable to save money daily, weekly, or monthly due to expenses attributed to khat chewing. As far as its social harm is concerned, the study participants said that they experienced conflict between themselves and their families due the fact that khat use costs interfered with their families’ basic needs expenses. Some of them also mentioned that they conflicted with their bosses because they were not punctual and absent from work due to khat chewing. Similarly, the FGD participants from the community argued that khat chewing has become forcing the jobless segments of the community, mainly to engage in anti-social behaviors such as theft and robbery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-95
Author(s):  
Nsemba Edward Lenshie ◽  
Patience Kondu Jacob

The relationship between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has in recent years become hot-tempered motivated by competitive control of land resources, particularly in central and north-east Nigeria. In Taraba State, the ongoing nomadic migration pattern from the Sahel in quest of pastures has led to violent confrontation between Fulani herdsmen and farming indigenous natives. Using a descriptive approach consisting of documented evidence, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the analysis revealed that conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous native farmers have culminated in population displacement and destruction of life and property in numerous rural enclaves in Taraba State. Despite the consequences of the conflicts, the Taraba State government was unable to act proactively because of the centralization of command over Nigerian security agencies. Accordingly, the study suggests decentralization of security agencies in Nigeria, especially the police, as the way forward for effective security governance in Nigeria.


Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Ignatowski ◽  
Łukasz Sułkowski ◽  
Bartłomiej Stopczyński

Nepotism and cronyism are forms of favoritism towards certain people in the workplace. For this reason, they constitute a problem for organization managers, ethicists and psychologists. Identifying the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the increase of nepotism and cronyism may provide a basis for organizations to assess their extent and to take possible measures to prevent their negative effects. At the same time, the research presented in the article may provide a basis for further research work related to nepotism and cronyism at the times of other threats, different from the pandemic. The aim of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on growing acceptance for nepotism and cronyism in Polish enterprises. Qualitative and quantitative methods have been included in the conducted research. Qualitative study aimed at improving knowledge of nepotism and cronyism and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these phenomena, followed by a quantitative study conducted in order to verify the information obtained in the qualitative study. This research has demonstrated that Nepotism and cronyism in the workplace, are phenomenon that are basically evaluated negatively. They adversely influences social and economic development, but the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nepotism and cronyism is not significant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayan Korri ◽  
Sabine Hess ◽  
Guenter Froeschl ◽  
Olena Ivanova

Abstract Background The war in Syria caused the forced displacement of millions of Syrians to neighboring countries. Lebanon is the host country with the largest overall number of Syrian refugees per capita. Adolescent refugee girls experience a unique level of vulnerability during human emergencies and are at increased risk of suffering from poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to learn about the SRH perceptions and experiences of refugee adolescent girls living in Bourj Hammoud, an urban setting in Lebanon. Methods We employed a qualitative design with eight focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with 40 Syrian Arab and Syrian Kurdish adolescent girls between January and March 2020. Every FGD consisted of five participants aged 13 to 17 years. A semi-structured guide was used covering multiple themes: menstruation, puberty, SRH awareness, and sexual harassment. FGDs were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The participants discussed adolescent girls’ health and named six elements of good health, such as healthy activities and self-protection. The majority of the FGD participants reported a lack of awareness about menstruation when they experienced it for the first time and the social stigma associated with menstruation. When defining puberty, they indicated its social link to a girl’s readiness for marriage and her need to become cautious about sexual harassment. Most FGD participants had very poor knowledge of the female reproductive system. Mothers were the most approached persons to receive information on SRH issues; however, the girls indicated a wish to receive advice from specialists in a comfortable and private atmosphere. All the girls reported that either they themselves, or an acquaintance, had experienced some type of sexual harassment. The girls rarely reported those incidents due to fear of being blamed or subjected to mobility restrictions, or forced to drop out of school. Conclusions The findings show the refugee girls need for satisfactory knowledge on SRH issues and interventions to prevent sexual and gender-based violence that take into consideration the complexity of urban settings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Stern ◽  
Ilian Blanco ◽  
Lucy A. Olmos ◽  
Joel J. Valdivia ◽  
Archana Shrestha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Worksite-based nutrition interventions can serve as access points to facilitate healthy eating and translate existing knowledge of cardiometabolic disease prevention. We explored perceptions, facilitators, and barriers for healthy eating in a cafeteria at a large worksite in Mexico City. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative study in a large department store in Mexico City with ~ 1500 employees. We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGD) with 63 employees stratified by job category (sales, maintenance, shipping, restaurant, cafeteria, administrative staff, and sales managers). Employees were invited to participate in the FGD if they were at the store at the day and time of the FGD for their job type. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the thematic method. This process involved the researches´ familiarizing themselves with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing the themes, defining and naming themes, and then interpreting the data. Results Employees defined healthy eating as eating foods that are fresh, diverse, and prepared hygienically. The most commonly reported facilitators of healthy eating at the worksite were availability of affordable healthy food options and employees’ high health awareness. Major barriers to healthy eating included unavailability of healthy foods, unpleasant taste of food, and preference for fatty foods and meat. For lower-wage workers, affordability was a major concern. Other barriers included lack of time to eat work and long working hours. Conclusion A broad range of factors affect healthy eating at the cafeteria, some related to nutrition and some related to the employees type of job. Availability of healthy, hygienic, and tasty food at an affordable price could lead to healthier food choices in the worksite cafeteria. These strategies, along with work schedules that allow sufficient time for healthy eating, may help improve dietary behaviors and health of employees.


Author(s):  
Srividhya Samakya V. ◽  
T. Subramanyam Naidu

This article aims to understand the perception of Parengi Porja’s ways of illness treatments and health management. The Parengi Porja is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Population (PVTG), inhabiting the hilly regions of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. They strongly believe in supernatural agents as being the cause of illness. For this study, the Parengi Porja tribal mothers were purposively selected from five villages situated in the study district. We used participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and semistructured interview schedules. We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand the reasons for illness, and its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Data types include demographic variables, incidences of illnesses, and their management. The study shows that this tribal population has its own understanding about the illness etiology and management strategy to regain healthy life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Mahmud Muhammad ◽  
Saharnaz Nedjat ◽  
Haniye Sadat Sajadi ◽  
Mahboubeh Parsaeian ◽  
Abraham Assan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background While the use of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) is effective in preventing malaria infection during pregnancy, there are challenges limiting its uptake in Nigeria. This study aimed at exploring the barriers to IPTp usage among pregnant women in Kano state - Nigeria. Methods This is a qualitative study. The purposive sampling strategy was used for identification and selection of 14 key informants for interviews. In addition, six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with pregnant women (3 FGDs) and married men (3 FGDs). The conventional content analysis method was used to interpret meaning from the content of the data. MAXQDA 10 software was used for data management and analysis. Results Poor policy implementation, poor antenatal care attendance, inadequate access to intermittent preventive treatment at the community levels, lack of sustainable funding, and poor community engagement emerged as major barriers to IPTp use in Nigeria. Conclusion While the political will to allocate sufficient financial resources could help improve service delivery and IPTp usage among pregnant women, community participation is critical to sustain the gains.


Curationis ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Hatting ◽  
M. Poggenpoel ◽  
C.P.H. Myburgh

The street child that is driven by circumstances to live outside the supportive structure of the family, is on his own. He doesn’t have the educational developmental opportunities that children who grow up in families and societies do. He finds himself in a unique educational and living environment. From an educational psychologist’s point of view, this environment is abnormal. It is therefore a great challenge for the educational psychologist to try and avoid or resolve negative effects of the child's living environment. An exploratory-, descriptive-, contextual- and qualitative study was done, with the aim of gaining insight and understanding into the life of the street child in Hillbrow as well as his experiences of his situation. The results obtained from the interviews were placed in four categories. These categories are: The street child’s continuous struggle to survive, his need for a “normal child life” , his inability to accept responsibility and the presence of a normative awareness within the street child. In conclusion it is clear that the experiential world of the street child is multi-facetted. In general it appears that the street child has many limitations and difficulties which he experiences, and that input by an educational psychologist can have meaningful influence in his life.


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