Is khat-chewing associated with HIV risk behaviour? A community-based study from Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examines the possible association between the stimulant khat and risky sexual behaviour that might aggravate the spread of HIV. A community-based cross-sectional survey involving 4 000 individuals and focus group discussions were conducted to assess the attitudes and perceptions of an Ethiopian population towards the habit of khat-chewing and its possible association with risky sexual behaviour. All participants in the focus group discussions and 38% of the survey respondents were of the opinion that behaviours associated with the mild narcotic effects of khat are conducive to casual sex, and hence constitute an increased risk for contracting and spreading HIV. A significant shift towards casual sex practices was observed in response to the effects induced by the substance, and a strong association was observed between khat-chewing, indulgence in alcohol and recourse to risky sexual behaviours. There was no significant difference in the use or non-use of condoms among those male chewers who admitted resorting to casual sex after khat-chewing. We suggest that HIV/AIDS programmes in certain regions should address the habitual use of khat and other substances of potential abuse as part of their intervention efforts to curb the epidemic.

Associations Between Khat Use and HIV Risk and Status Among Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center Clients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…In Ethiopia, khat has historically been used by Muslim males during prayer and more recently to alter mood, increase energy and improve work performance (Kebede et al, 2005; Gebissa, 2010b; Dawit et al, 2006). Currently, 15% of individuals aged 15 to 49 report using khat, though this number can be as high as 50% in some regions (Halle and Lakew, 2015).…”

“…Using khat is also associated with elevated alcohol use (Dawit et al, 2006) and alcohol use disorders (Soboka et al, 2015). Khat users report that alcohol helps them manage side effects that are sometimes associated with khat use including insomnia, anxiety, and, for some men, impaired sexual performance or impotence despite the increased sexual desire associated with khat use (Dawit et al, 2006, Berhanu et al 2012).…”

“…Khat users report that alcohol helps them manage side effects that are sometimes associated with khat use including insomnia, anxiety, and, for some men, impaired sexual performance or impotence despite the increased sexual desire associated with khat use (Dawit et al, 2006, Berhanu et al 2012). Increased alcohol use may also lead to increased sexual risk taking (Alemu et al, 2007, Kebede et al, 2005, Seme et al, 2005, Molla et al, 2008, Taffa et al, 2002, Mbulaiteye et al, 2000).…”

Assessment of Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Public College Students in Bonga Town, Southwest Ethiopia

“…Alcohol consumption increases sexual desire and arousal, although it lowers physiological arousal [6]. Effects of khat on the chewer include increased levels of energy, increased self-esteem, euphoria, increased libido, excitement, and increased proclivity for social interaction [7]. Cigarette smoking has been shown to reduce sexual arousal by impeding the circulatory system's delivery of oxygenated blood throughout the body [8].…”

Psychoactive substance: Determining its harmful and dependent use patterns and associated level of risks among high school students in Afar region, Ethiopia

“…In Ethiopia, substance use among adolescents is a growing problem, as in many African countries. Several studies which were done in Ethiopian universities and High Schools among adolescents were evidences for this (Dawit et al, 2006;Lemma, 2009;Alem et al, 2010;Teferi, 2011;Reda et al, 2012;Gebreslassie et al, 2013;Kidane, 2014;Tadesse, 2014;Kassa and Deyno, 2014;Eticha and Kidane, 2014;Mossie et al, 2015;Tadesse et al, 2016). For instance, to indicate few, a study done on cigarette smoking among undergraduate students at Hawassa University revealed a lifetime prevalence that accounts for 14.8% and current prevalence of 7.5% (Kassa and Deyno, 2014).…”