3.
0 ÇHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the research methodology which will be used to carry out the study.The
chapter also describes the research design, target population, sampling and data analysis
methods,techniques and tools used in collecting and analyzing data. It offers a description of the
population of the study from which a sample will be selected.
3.2 research design
The researcher used cross-sectional descriptive research design in determining factors
influencing consumption of miraa by the youth aged 18-35 years inmerile location. The study
design was used as it was accurate, cheap and saved time.
3.3study population
The study population is the number of people in a given area. The total population of
merilelocation obtained from nyumbakumi initiative was 1200 people as the area chief reported
on 4/5/2017.The youth aged between 18-35 years were 450 of the study population.
3.4 target population
The target population was youth aged 18-35 years in Merille location. According to the area
chief,the population of youth were 450 in the community.
3.5 Sample size
It was the target population selected by the researcher to participate in the study. The target
population being 450 subjects, the researcher used Watson formulato calculate sample size as
follows;
Target population; 450 youth, therefore final sample size;
N=x
Where N= target population
X=Level of variability; variability of 5% was used
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^2=confidential level or Z-score at the given confidence level. 88% confidence will be
used.The Z score at 88% is 1.5548
A=margin of error or degree of precision; 0.1
N=basecsamplesize
N=0.25/0.004137+0.25/450
N=0.25/0.0046925556
N=53.276
Sample size will be 53 respondents
3.6 sampling technique
The researcher used simple random technique to identify subjects to be interviewed whereby he
interviewed ten respondents each day for five consecutive days and on the sixth day he
interviewed three respondents to get the 53 respondents. To avoid biasness whereby the
researcher got more than ten respondents, he used yes and no papers. Those who picked
“yes”were included in the study
3.7 Research tools
The researcher used structural questionnaires which were both close-ended and open-
ended.The researcher used this tool as it was less expensive and it had a great response and it
was easy to analyze.
3.8 pre-testing
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Two days prior the actual data collection, the researcher conducted a pilot study to identify
any ambiguities and inadequacies in Old Town though none were dictated. According to
Basavanthappa 2007;10% of sample size was used to determine the number of respondents
that is,
10/100x53=5.3,therefore respondents will be 5.
3.9 Data collection technique
Questionnaires were used as the tool for collecting data. The questionnaires were clear and
simple for the respondents to understand and answer the required information. The actual
data collection date was on date 28h angust 2017 to 8t September 2017 during the
researcher study leave.
3.10 Data storage,analysis and presentation
After the data was collected, the tool was confirmed for its completeness and numbering. It
was then stored properly while awaiting for data analysis and presentation. The results gotten
after analysis were presented in form of tables, graphs and pie charts.
3.11 ethical considerations
Confidentiality was observed by not indicating the name or other identification marks of the
respondents on the questionnaire. The researcher was granted a permit letter by the
principal tutor which was then later taken to the area chef who later granted permission to
carry out the study as evidenced by the letter from the chief attached at the end of the
research.
3.12 Inclusion criteria
Youths aged 18-35 years.
They should be consuming miraa.
Should be residents of Merile location for at least 6 months.
Table
3.13 4.2 age
Exclusion of respondents
Criteria
Those not willing to participate will not take part in thestudy.
Youths who don't consume miraa.
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR:DATA ANALYSIS,PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
4.1Introduction
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The chapter contains the results obtained from the data analysis.The research
aimed at collecting information according to the set objectives of the study. The
study set out to determine factors contributing to miraa consumption in merile
location which involved respondents aged 18-35 years. The data was collected on
28 august up to 6 September 2017. 0Forembex 20.24The number of
respondents interviewed was 53. Numbering of questionnaires was done and
coding scheme developed manually. The data was analyzed, presented using
tables,bar graphs and charts.
4.2 Profile of the respondents
4.2.1 Gender of the respondents
Table 4.1 gender of respondents
Gender percentage
frequency
Male 33 62%
Female 20 38%
Total 53 100%
The results indicate that out of respondents interviewed, 62% were male while
38% were female. It is a clear indication that more men were interviewed during
the study.
4.2.2 Age of the respondents
frequency percentage
15-21 years 17 32%
15 28%
22-28 years
29-35 years 21 40%
Total 53 100%
The majority of the respondents 40% were aged 29-35 years,respondents
between 15-35years were 32%. The remaining 28% were between 22-28 years.
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4.2.3 Religion of the respondents
Table 4.3 religion of respondents
Religion frequency percentage
Muslim 26 49%
Christian 24 45%
Pagan 3 6%
Total 53 100%
The results indicates that out of the respondents interviewed, 49% were Muslims, 45% were
Christians and the remaining 6% were pagans.
4.2.4 Marital status of the respondents
Table 4.4 marital status of respondents
Marital status frequency percentage
married 15 28%
single 20 38%
widower 4 8%
widow 3 6%
separated 11 20%
total 53 100%
The results indicates that out of the respondents interviewed, 38% were single, 28% were
married,20% separated, 8% were widower and the remaining 6% were widow
4.2.5 Level of education of respondents.
Table 4.4 level of education of respondents
Level of education frequency percentage
primary 15 28%
secondary 21 40%
tertiary 10 19%
Never attended school 10 13%
total 53 100%
The results indicates that 40% of respondents attended secondary school,28% attended primary
level, 19% attended tertiary level, the remaining 13% never attended any level of education.
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4.3 socio-cultural factors
4.3.1 Frequency of taking miraa
The researcher enquired for the rate at which the respondents took khat.The majority of
respondents at 58% take khat daily, while 25% of respondents consume khat once a week,while
the remaining 17% respondents take khat once a month.
frequency of taking miraa
key
daily
once a week
once month
Figure 4.2 frequency of taking miraa.
4.3.2 Introduction to miraa consumption.
The researcher enquired from the respondents to indicate who introduced them to khat
consumption.The researcher found out from the respondents that 38% were introdced to khat by
their friends, 21% by their schoolmates, 18% by their neighbors, 14% by miraa vendors and the
remaining 9% by their family members respectively.
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Figure 4.3 Introduction to miraa consumption.
4.3.3 Reasons why the respondents take miraa.
With the aim of establishing the reasons behind the use of khat, the researcher sought for the
information from the respondents and the results are as follows.According to 48% of respondents,
they chew miraa to pass time,25% of the respondents chew miraa for mood altering purposes, 18%
chew to keep them awake and the remaining 9% chew mniraa to prevent them from hunger.
reasons for taking miraa
key
to keep awake
to prevent hunger
for mood altering purpose
to pass time
Figure 4.4 reasons for taking miraa
4.3.4Family members who chew miraa
rents siblings
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According to 49% of respondents, their parents chew khat, 30% of the respondents show that
the whole family chew khat, 11% khat was chewed by their grandparents and the remaining
10%by their siblings.
pecentage
30%
49%
11%
10%
a grandparents all F
4.5 family members who chew miraa
4.3.5Methods of miraa consumption.
The researcher was interested in finding out various methods used by the respondents to consume
miraa. Majority of respondents at 74% chew khat as a favorable method of consuming miraa while
26% of respondents consume miraa by taking it as a beverage.
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figure 4.6 methods of miraa consumption.
4.3.6(I)Any cultural practices that allow miraa consumption.
The researcher wanted to know if there were any cultural practices that allow miraaconsumption.In
response 70% approved that there were cultural practices that allow miraa consumption while 30%
disapproved that there were no cultural practices that allow miraa consumption
Any cultural practices that allow miraa consumption
key
yes
no
Figure 4.7 any cultural practices that allow miraa consumption.
(ii) Some cultural practices that allow miraa consumption
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According to 68% of respondents, miraa consumption plays a major role in a social
gathering,16% of respondents consume miraa during intercommunity raiding, and 11%
consume miraa during marriage ceremony while the remaining 5% consume miraa on birth
ceremony.
Some cultural practices that allow miraa consumption
key
marriageceremony
intercommunity raiding
social gatthering
birth ceremony
figure 4.8 some cultural practices that allow miraa consumption
4.4 economic factors
4.4.1 Respondents who are in miraa business.
The results shown in figure 4.5 shows that 47% of the respondents are in the business of selling
miraa while 53% of them don't sell miraa.
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Figure 4.9 respondents who are in miraa business.
(ii) Amount of money miraa venders earn when selling miraa in monthly basis.
On the account of the money they earn on a monthly basis of miraa selling, 44% of respondents
earn a range of 5000-10000,40% of the respondents earn a range of 10000-15000 shillings and
the remaining 16% of the respondents earn a range of 15000-20000 shillings.
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Figure 4.10 amount of money earned by miraa vendors on monthly basis
4.4.2 (I) miraa as a main source of income.
The majority of respondents at 96% felt that miraa business is their main source of income while 4%
disapproved it to be not their main source of income.
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Figure 4.11miraa as a main source of income
(ii) Reasons that made respondents to start selling miraa.
The majority of respondents at 42% indicated that unemployment made them to start selling
miraa,34% started selling miraa because it is the main source of income in the area, 17% of
respondents started selling miraa in order to meet daily needs while 7% of the respondentsindicated
that their family members encouraged them to start selling miraa.
figure 4.12 reasons that made respondents to start selling miraa
4.4.3 Respondents who grow miraa.
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On the account of miraa growing, only 44% of the respondents grew miraa while remaining 56%don't
grow miraa at all.
Figure 4.13 respondents who grow miraa
4.4.4 Purpose for growing miraa.
Majority of respondents at 84% grew miraa for selling only while remaining 26% grew miraa for home
consumption.
Figure 4.14purpose for growing miraa
4.4.5Action taken to get more sales on miraa
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Majority of the respondents at 60% ensure they get more sales on miraa by selling them at fair
prices to consumers,24%o of the respondents ensured that miraa is available at right time while
the remaining 16% ensured more sales on miraa by keeping well and fresh
Figure
4.15 actions taken to get more sales on miraa
4.5 perceived health benefits of consuming miraa
4.5.1 (I) harm of miraa on one's health
Majority of respondents at 64% are aware that miraa consumption is harmful to one's
health,while the remaining 36% are unaware of harmful effects of consuming miraa.
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Figure 4.16 harm of miraa on one's health
(ii) Knowledge on any health effects of khat consumption.
According to 29% of respondents miraa consumption by the youth has led to loss of appetite,26% of
the respondents felt that it has led to lack of sleep, 20% of respondents complained of teeth
discoloration, 12% complained of mouth ulcer, while the remaining 7% and 6% reported of
hallucination and constipation.
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Figure 4.17 knowledge on health effects of khat consumption.
4.5.2 (I)Respondent's approval on health benefits of miraa consumption.
The results shows that 60% of the respondents felt that miraa consumption has got health benefits
while the remaining 40% disapproved health benefits of miraa. This indicates that majority of the
respondents do not have enough knowledge on adverse effects of miraa on ones health
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figure 4.18 respondents' approval on health benefits of miraa consumption.
(ii) Perceived health benefits of miraa consumption.
On the account of the health benefits of miraa consumption 24% of the respondents
indicated that consuming it prevents malaria, 21% indicated that it prevents respiratory tract
infections,20% believed that miraa consumption increased sexual arousal,while the remaining
each 18%indicated that miraa consumption prevents diabetes mellitus and hunger.
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perceived health benefits of miraa consumption
30%
25% 24%
21% 20%
20% 18% 18%
15%
10%
5%
0%
prevents diabetesprevents malaria prevents respiratory prevents hunger increased sexual melitis tract infection
arousal
percentage
figure 4.19 perceived health benefits of miraa consumption.
4.5.3 Attitudetowards taking miraa.
According to 70% of the respondents,they strongly agreed that miraa help one from feeling
hungry,24% disagreed while the remaining 6% were uncertain if miraa makes one not to feel
hungry. On the hand 63% of the respondents agreed that it is healthy to consume miraa to
help you stay awake, 27% disagreed while the remaining 10% were uncertain if miraa
consumption helps one to stay awake.
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Figure 4.20attitude towards taking miraa
5.0 CHAPTER FIVESUMMARY OF FINDINGS, DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS
EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 introduction
This chapter gives the summary of findings, discussions, conclusions and
appropriate recommendations of the study
5.2 summary of findings
According to the research findings done in merile location,58% further stating
that they consume it daily.
5.2.1 Factors leading to consumption of miraa by the youth in merile sub location
According to the results of the study, friends played a major role as a contributing factor to
miraa consumnption by the youth. Majority of the respondents at 38% felt thattheir friends
introduced them to chew miraa. Majority of the youth at 48% consume miraa to pass time,
25% of them consume for mood altering purposes, and 18% of the respondents consume it
to keep them awake while the remaining 9% consume it to prevent hunger. Family as a
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contributing factor to miraa consumption also played a little role in that 49% of the
respondents reported that their parents also consumed miraa. Khat consumption is also part
of the culture of the merile community and the major cultural practice is social gathering at
68% whereby people gather mostly in well-designed shades sharing ideas. Other cultural
practices include intercommunity raiding at 16%, marriage ceremony at 11% and birth
ceremony at 5%. Other contributing factors include the need to fit among friends according
to 49% of the respondents. There is also the need for one to be more popular according to
23% of the respondents and 28% of the respondents reported that miraa consumption has
no effects on one's social life. The khat traders and farmers also played a role as a
contributing factors to miraa consumption since 96% Of the respondents consider miraa as
their main source of income. Among the respondents, 64% were awae of the harmful effects
of miraa consumption. The effects indicated include lack of appetite, lack of sleep,teeth
discoloration,constipation, hallucination, mouth ulcer and hallucination. On the hand
60%respondents also indicated some perceived heaIth benefits of miraa consumption to
include prevention of diabetes mellitus, prevention of malaria, preventionof respiratory tract
infection,prevention of hunger, increase sexual arousal though later reduces.
5.3 Discussion
A discussion on the findings of the study is given below: The issue of drug abuse by the youth is a
major problem in Kenya.
According to NACADA a cross-sectional study of the five counties that is meru, kwale,
kitui,isiolo and marsabit male respondents played a major role in miraa consumption at
45%.According to the findings67% of the respondents were male
.NACADA (2010) reported that students use drugs like miraa during examination time so that
they can keep awake while reading and in the study the need to stay awake as a reason for taking
khat by 18% of the respondents.
The factors contributing to drug abuse as determined in this study such as to prevent hunger,for
mood altering purposes, culture and attitudetoward drug abuse are in agreement with the
finding of study by Elmi (2010).
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According to Goldsmith, (2010) meru people use khat and most of their traditional ceremonies
like marriage and other engagements like intercommunity raids are in agreement with the
findings by the researcher on the social cultural factors like social gathering at 68% and marriage
ceremony at 11%.
5.4 conclusions
The researcher concludes that there are several factors that influence khat consumption among
the youth in merile location, Marsabit County. These factors include the ease of availability,peer
pressure, boredom, unemployment, the youth attitude towards khat consumption and
communities' culture. The khat traders and farmers also feel that khat should not be controlled
as it is a source of income.
5.5 Recommendations
Based on the results on research study:
1.The researcher recommends that merile youth should be taught how to cope with stressful
events so that they do not result to miraa consumption by engaging themselves in productive
activities like attending to workshops on drug abuse to avoid idleness which leads them to miraa
consumption through NGOs.
2.The county government of marsabit should sought out financial support to its youth by
encouraging them to initiate business initiatives to curb the problem of unemployment in the
community
3. The researcher recommends other researchers to conduct similar studies for future references and
to help in development of further studies for all the learners
REFERENCES
Ageely, H.M (2009).Health and socioeconomic harzards associated with khat
consumption.Journal of family and community medicine. Vol.15, pp. 76-78.
Ahmed and nencini, p(2010).Long lasting effect of cathione. In international conference of
khat:the heaIth and socioeconomic aspects of khat use: united kingdom.
Basher, T.A. (2011). The use of khat: a stimulant with regional distribution. In drug problems in
the social cultural context-a basis for policies and programme planning (Edwards and arif
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A),2011.World health organization: Geneva.
Baker, G.E.(2012) coping at the crossroads: societal and educational transformation in the
united states,journal of technology education,41,URL:http://borg.lib.vt.edu/ejournals?jte.html.)
(Accessed on April 2017)
Elmi,A,S.(2013).Khat: consumptions and problems in Somalia. In international conference on
khat-the health and socioeconomic aspects of khat use: United Kingdom.
Goldsmith p.(2010). Symbiosis and transformation in Kenya's meru district. Unpublished
P.H.D.thesis,university of Florida
Halbach H (2015). Medical aspects of chewing khat leaves.Bulletin of world health organization
47.
James,s. (2011). UN reveal global growth of drug abuse Http.
www.census.gov/ips/www/worldpop.html.(Accessed on May 2017)
Kennedy,j.G.(2012)the flower of paradise-the institutionalized use of the drug khat in north
Yemen:Dordrecht
Mugenda,o.,and Mugenda, A.G., (2003). Research methods, African center for technology
studies: Nairobi.
NACADA (2010) youth in peril: alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya. Nairobi: Longman
APPEND
APPENDIXL QUESTIONNAIRE
WAMBA NURSING TRAINING SCHOOL
P.O box 49-20603
Wamba
Research too:interview schedule.
A RESEARCH STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CONSUMPTION OF MIRAA AMONG
YOUTHS AGED 18-35 YEARS IN MERILE LOCATION,MARSABIT COUNTY.
Instructions
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1. Do not write your name or mark of identification on questionnaire
2.All information gathered will be handled with confidentiality
3. Circle or tick the answer on questionnaire
4. Research study is for learning purpose only
5.No one will be forced to be interviewed
6. Read all choices before answering the questions
SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
1.What is your gender?
a)male
b)Female
2.How old are you?
a) 18-23 years
(b)24-30 years
(c)31-35 years
2.What is your marital status?
a)Married
b)Single
c)Widow
d)Widower
e) Separated
4 what is your religion?
a)muslim
b) Christian
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c)Pagan
5 what is your level of education?
a)primary
b) Secondary
c) Tertiary
d) Never attended school
SECTION B: SOCIAL CULTURAL FACTORS
1 how often do you consume Miraa?
a)daily
b) Once a week
c)Once a month
2 who introduced you to consume Miraa?
A)Neighbor
b) Schoolmates
c)Family memher
d)Miraa vender
e) Friends
3.Why do you consume Miraa?
a) To keep awake
b) To prevent hunger
c) For mood altering purposes
d) To pass time
4.Who in your family consume Miraa?
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a)Parents
b) Siblings
c) Grandparents
d)all
5.How do you consume Miraa?
a)Chewing
b) Taken as beverage
6.(I) are there any cultural that allow Miraa consumption?
a)Yes the area
b)No
(ii) If yes,what are some of these cultural practices?
a)Marriage ceremony
b) Intercommunity raiding
c) Social gathering
d) Other specify.,..
7.What kind of influence do you think Miraa consumption has on one's health?
a) It makes one popular
b) It helps one to in among the peers
c) It has no effects
d) Others specify
1. (I) Are you in Miraa business?
a)Yes
b)No
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(ii) If yes,how much do you earn from Miraa vending in a monthly basis
a)5000-10000
b) 10000-15000
c) 15000-20000
2. (I) if in Miraa business, do you consider miraa to be your main source of income?
a)Yes
b)No
(ii) If yes,what made you to start selling Miraa?
a) To meet daily needs b) Main source of income in thearea
c) Unemployment d)Family members
3.Do you grow Miraa?
a) Yes
b)No
4.For what purpose do you grow Miraa?
a)For consumption
b) For selling
5.How do you ensure that you get more sales on Miraa?
a) SellingMiraa at fair prices to customers
b) Selling to customers well-kept and fresh Miraa
c) Ensuring that Miraa is available at the right time
SECTION D:PERCEIVED HEALTH BENEFITS OF MIRAA CONSUMPTION
1. (I) do you think Miraa is harmful to your health?
10
a)Yes
b)No
(ii)if yes,howhow is it harmful?
2. (I) do you believe Miraa has any health benefits?
a)Yes
b)No
(ii)If yes,which ones?
3 for the below table tick where appropriate
item agree uncertain disagree
It is healthy to consume Miraa
to help you from feeling hungry
It is healthy to consume Miraa
to help you stay awake
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