Pharmacologyonline 1: 157-165 (2009) ewsletter Baynesagne et al. 157 Prevalence, Attitude and Associated Problems of Khat Use among Bahir Dar University Students, orthwestern Ethiopia Melaku Baynesagne (BPharm) 1 , Dessalegn Ayele (BPharm) 1 , Berhanemeskel Weldegerima (BPharm, Msc.) *1 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar. * Correspondent. Email: aberhaneth@gmail.com , Tele: +251912024213 Summary Khat edulis is one of the common substances abused in most parts of Ethiopia and the associated problems are of current global concern. It has become an epidemic in all parts of Ethiopian region adolescent being the main victims of ill health and social effects of substance use. It widely abused for various purposes. Thus, this study intended to assess the prevalence of khat use and associated risks among university students. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 269 Bahir Dar University students by using self administered questionnaire in May to June 2008. Students from each department and year of study were selected by using random sampling method. Result was analyzed by using EPI info version 3.4.3 statistical software package. A total of 269 students were studied with response rate of 91.8%. Out of the respondents 218(81.1%) were males and 51(18.9%) were females. One third of the respondents were found ever chewers and current khat chewing prevalence was 84 (31.2%). Nearly half of the current khat users chew khat once or more than a week and about 40% chew khat daily. Among the current khat users’ majority use substances like cigarette, coffee, tea and shisha while chewing khat. Majority of the students chew khat for studying/increase performance and for relaxation purpose 58 (43.3%) and 42 (31.3%). Few students gave reason to kill extra time and for socialization purpose. Majority of the respondent have got financial crises followed by behavioral changes 56 (50.2%) and 38 (34.2%) respectively due to khat use. Most of the students have got sleeping difficulties and loss of appetite and other miscellaneous health problems include weight loss, anxiety, depression, lethargy, hallucination. There is higher significant relationship between year of study and chewing khat (P< 0.001). The finding on the assessment of attitude revealed 58.4% strongly agree as khat cause health problem. In order to decrease the prevalence of chat chewing public education in substance abuse and preparing educational materials and conduct awareness creation campaign at the university is recommended. Key words: khat Chewing; substance use; University students; Bahir Dar University; Ethiopia.