Research Article
When Perceived Official Terror Drives People out of Politics: A Systemic Analysis of Political Alienation in the Context of Authoritarian Democracy
Achille Vicky Dzuetso Mouafo,
Willy Taffo Nemboué,
Gustave Adolphe Messanga*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
88-98
Received:
14 October 2023
Accepted:
6 November 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: The paradox of political alienation as a social and scientific phenomenon is that, if on the social level it has remained a topical subject, perceptible through many citizens’ non-participation in formalized political activities, on the scientific level, on the other hand, it has experienced a long period of hibernation over several decades. Despite the recent revival of academic interest in this construct, methodological and theoretical gaps are perceptible. These relate respectively to the absence of a standardized instrument allowing it to be evaluated and to the fact that the data available until then, and which underlie the theoretical propositions on this construct, have been exclusively collected in democratic contexts, excluding authoritarian contexts, within which citizens’ disaffection for political activities is nevertheless a remarkable fact. This research aims to fill these gaps, through two studies carried out in Cameroon; an authoritarian democracy where institutional authoritarianism generates, among populations, a model of behavior consistent with the manifestations of political alienation. Study 1 (N= 1184) proposes a psychometric measure to assess individuals’ tendencies towards political alienation. The data collected provide satisfactory empirical evidence of its factorial and confirmatory structure, internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Study 2 (N= 513) focuses on the link between perceived official terror and political alienation. It provides support for the hypothesis that perceived official terror generates political alienation in the context of authoritarian democracy. The theoretical and empirical implications of political alienation in the context of authoritarian democracy are discussed.
Abstract: The paradox of political alienation as a social and scientific phenomenon is that, if on the social level it has remained a topical subject, perceptible through many citizens’ non-participation in formalized political activities, on the scientific level, on the other hand, it has experienced a long period of hibernation over several decades. Despit...
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Research Article
Assessing the Prevalence and Perceptions of Khat Use Among Secondary School Students in Hodiedah, Yemen: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study
Khaled Alselwi*,
Aiman Alwan Azazi
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
99-104
Received:
2 November 2023
Accepted:
27 November 2023
Published:
8 December 2023
Abstract: Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school students in this region.to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. This cross-sectional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data., provides an updated overview of the prevalence and related factors of khat chewing. A targeted sample of 1000 students was recruited using stratified random sampling, ensuring equal representation of male and female students in rural and urban area, A pre-validated questionnaire collected quantitative data on socio-demographics, patterns of khat use, perceptions, and health impacts. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative insights. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated a high prevalence of khat chewing among all secondary school students males and females36.4%, while the prevelence among maleswas47,8% and among females25%. The gender disparity was statistically significant, with males having 2.05 times higher odds of chewing khat compared to females (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-2.46). Employed students had 1.78 times higher odds of khat chewing compared to unemployed students (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.29–2.47). Furthermore, education level was significantly associated with khat chewing, with first-year high school graduates having 0.91 lower odds of chewing khat compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Although rural residency showed a trend towards association, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 1.14–1.79). The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to khat chewing among secondary school students. Students reported experiencing various health impacts, including difficulty urinating (79%) and dental and gastrointestinal issues (68%). Khat chewing was primarily undertaken for recreational purposes (56%), socializing (48%), relaxation (34%), and coping (29%). Students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the dangers, societal implications, and financial burden of khat chewing. This study therefore provides valuable numerical prevalence data and highlights several statistically significant demographic determinants of khat chewing among secondary school students in Hodiedah, Yemen. Findings can hopefully guide targeted interventions to address the serious issue.
Abstract: Khat, is widely consumed for its stimulant effects, primarily in Yemen and parts of East Africa. It has a potential effect on physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects of student functioning. The prevalence and determinants of khat chewing have been extensively studied in various populations, but limited research exists among secondary school...
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