Assessment of Health-Related Effects of Khat (Catha Edulis) Consumption Among Residents of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Bushenyi District Western Uganda

Background Despite local and national efforts against Khat use, the habit continues to escalate mainly among young people in Uganda; especially those in urban and peri-urban areas. This is compounded by limited understanding of health related effects of Khat use which could have detrimental effects to the users, their families and community as a whole. This study aimed at assessing the health-related effects of Khat ( Catha edulis Forsk) consumption among residents of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, South western Uganda. Methodology A community based cross sectional study design was conducted on 384 study participants residing or working in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. Using structured questionnaires and a cluster sampling method, data was obtained on Khat consumption; its patterns, health effects and associated factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significant association was set at a p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results A 16.9% and 15.1% lifetime and current prevalence of Khat consumption respectively was observed among the participants. The most reported health related effects of Khat use were GUS effects with a mean of 2.0578 ± 0.442, however it was CVS health effects which showed a significant association to Khat use (β = 0.201, P < 0.001). This study also showed that Khat use was positively associated with age 18–43 years (β = 0.189, P = 0.001), age 31–43years (β = 0.205, P = 0.002), primary level of education (β = 0.221, 0.006), being a traditional believer (β = 0.221, P = 0.014), being a driver (β = 0.348, P < 0.001) or a merchant (β = 0.356, P = 0.006) as an occupation and living with people than one’s parents (P < 0.001). On the other hand, Khat use was negatively associated with being a student as occupation (β= ^- 0.934, P < 0.001), and earning a higher monthly income (P < 0.001). Conclusion Lifetime and current prevalence of Khat consumption was 16.9% and 15.1% respectively with CVS health effects as the only positively and significantly associated health effects with Khat chewing. Khat chewing was also significantly associated with age, education level, religion, occupation, income level and type of people someone lives with.