The effect of khat consumption on work performance in small businesses in the city-center market, Hargeisa, Somaliland

Background Khat use is an increasing public health concern in Somaliland, linked to various mental, physical, social, and psychological problems. Objective This study examined the effect of khat consumption on work performance among small business employees in the City-Center Market, Hargeisa, Somaliland. Methodology A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with purposive sampling of 150 male respondents. Data were collected through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire measuring khat consumption patterns and work performance. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to assess the predictive effect of khat consumption on work performance. Demographic and occupational variables (education level, marital status, employment type, type of khat commonly chewed, and age categories) were included as controls. Results Regression analysis showed khat consumption was significantly associated with work performance (B = 0.774, β = 0.879, t = 15.062, p < 0.001). Higher levels of khat use were associated with lower work performance, while other variables including education level ( p = 0.281), marital status ( p = 0.548), employment type ( p = 0.902), type of khat ( p = 0.700), and age ( p = 0.429) showed no statistically significant effects. Conclusion The study suggests that khat consumption may negatively influence employee productivity, while demographic and occupational factors appear to have limited influence. These findings highlight the importance of workplace awareness and policy measures aimed at reducing the potential adverse impact of khat use on work performance.