Background: Khat (Catha edulis) is a plant with its leaves containing alkaloids similar to caffeine that provides pleasurable and mildly stimulating effects. Prolonged use of Khat is associated with mental health disturbances and may cause severe damage to the temporomandibular joint. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of Khat on oral health among Khat chewers in the city of Aden, Yemen. Methodology: A prospective study was carried out among Khat chewers in Aden, Yemen, between October 2013-October 2015. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among Khat users to explore various aspects related to oral health. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 240 Khat users participated in the survey. Khat chewing was associated with many side effects. The most common side effects were pain, a clicking sound during opening and closing of mouth, tonicity, loss of teeth, and occlusion. The occurrence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) disorders was higher with those chewing Khat alone (34.2%) than those chewing Khat and other items such as betel nuts (14.6%) and tombol (13.4%). The incidence of TMJD was more in the age range of 15-25 y compared to those in other age groups (P=0.036) and in those chewing Khat>5 days a week (P=0.029). Conclusion: A significant number of Khat users are affected by TMJD. This public health hazard poses an additional danger to an already substantial list of severe health concerns related to Khat chewing.

Objective: To determine median nerve tightness in smartphone users, and to compare the upper limb functions between those with and without median nerve tightness. Method: The cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from March 2020 to January 2021, and comprised subjects of either gender aged 20-40 years who had been using smartphone for >1 year. Body mass index was calculated. The participants were evaluated using upper extremity functional index-15. A hand-held dynamometer was used to assess handgrip strength, and a pinch meter assessed the pinch strength. Manual upper limb tension test 1 was used for median nerve tightness. Frequencies and percentages were drawn for all categorical variables. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 277 subjects, 198(71.5%) were females. The largest group 176(63.5%) was aged 21-25 years. The mean upper limb functional index was 84.24±15.09. Also, 113(40.8%) subjects were positive for left-side median nerve tightness and 122(44%) were positive on the right side. There was no significant association between median nerve tightness and upper extremity function (p>0.05). The association, however, was significant with the duration of mobile usage in years (p<0.05). Conclusion: Prolonged overuse of smartphone may lead to symptoms of median nerve tightness, but it was not found to have an effect on upper limb function, handgrip and pinch strength. Key Words: Adults, Dynamometer, Hand strength, Middle-aged people, Mobile phone, Pinch strength, Upper extremity.