Khat chewing amongst UK resident male Yemeni adults: an exploratory study

Abstract

Aim: This cross sectional study recruited adult male Yemeni residents in Sheffield and Birmingham, UK, to assess their use of khat.

Methods: Structured interviews were conducted in both areas during weekly khat chewing sessions. The data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, khat use, dependency on khat, psychological functioning of chewers (GHQ-12) and nicotine dependency. Patterns of khat use, dependency and psychological functioning were correlated with age and self-reported oral problems.

Results: 75 khat chewing volunteers (mean age 40.75 years) were interviewed. Average age of starting khat chewing was 17 years. The weekly amount chewed ranged from 0.25-3.0 khat bundles. Older respondents were more likely to be frequent chewers (p<0.025). 39% were assessed as dependent on khat, which correlated with frequency of use (p<0.041) and being in debt (p<0.046). Khat chewing correlated with nicotine dependence (p< 0.014). Self-reported oral problems correlated with both nicotine (p<0.04) and khat dependence (p<0.001). 93% reported that khat chewing promoted excessive smoking and 12% that this practice had initiated their tobacco use.

Conclusions: Khat chewing creates dependency and correlates with tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence. Further research should investigate the correlations between khat and nicotine dependence. Development of a specific measure of khat dependence is recommended.