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Mustafa Alabsi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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correlates of Khat use during pregnancy a cross sectional study
Addictive Behaviors, 2017Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Mulusew G Jebena, Mohammed Taha, Markos Tesfaye, Esayas Kebede Gudina, Andrine Lemieux, Richard Hoffman, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Objectives Khat is widely used in East African countries including Ethiopia. A growing body of evidence indicates that long-term Khat use is associated with various health consequences. The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude and correlates of Khat use in pregnant women. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, face-to-face interview design that included 642 pregnant women receiving antenatal care services at primary care centers in Ethiopia. A series of chi-square tests and regression models were conducted to examine whether Khat use status (i.e., 123 current Khat users, 41 former Khat users, and 478 non-users) was associated with socio-demographic, mental distress, and substance use measures. Results As compared with non-users, current and former Khat users had higher levels of depressive symptoms and distress. Khat users minimized potential health risks associated with Khat use. Social and motivational factors related to Khat use were different between current and former Khat users. Conclusions Findings of this study suggest a substantial prevalence of Khat use among pregnant women in Ethiopia and highlight the role of socio-demographic and cultural influences on Khat use during pregnancy. Health care professionals in the region where Khat is available are encouraged to ask their female patients about Khat use and encourage them to refrain from use while they are pregnant. The positive link between Khat and mental distress warrants further research focusing on biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of this relationship.
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level of Khat dependence use patterns and psychological correlates in yemen a cross sectional investigation
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 2017Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Richard G Hoffman, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Chronic Khat use is associated with negative health consequences. However, no study has fully characterized individuals who are Khat dependent. This paper examines socio-demographic and psychosocial correlates of adult Khat dependence. A total of 270 Khat users (129 women) in Yemen completed face-to-face interviews and provided demographic information and data on patterns of Khat use, subjective mood, and sleep quality. The Severity of Dependence Scale-Khat (SDS-Khat) was used to assess level of Khat dependence. A series of analysis of variance was conducted. Khat users, on average, used Khat for 5.2 hours a day (SD = 2.3) for 5.7 days a week (SD = 2.0). Individuals who screened positive for Khat dependence reported longer duration of Khat sessions per day, higher frequency of Khat use per week, greater levels of negative mood and sleep disturbances, and were more likely to endorse physical symptoms after Khat use (P < 0.05). Future research should elucidate mechanisms responsible for Khat dependence symptomatology.
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Khat chewing and acculturation in east african migrants living in frankfurt am main germany
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015Co-Authors: Stephan Bongard, Motohiro Nakajima, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Khat (Catha edulis, Forsk) is a drug widely used in countries around the Red Sea (East-Africa and Arabian Peninsula). In Germany Khat chewing is illegal but nevertheless an often observed habit in immigrants from this region. This study investigates the interrelation between immigrants acculturation processes and traditional Khat chewing habits. Materials and Methods Sixty-one Khat chewers (14 female) from East-African countries were interviewed about their Khat chewing habits and acculturation strategy using standardized questionnaires. Results Results indicate that immigrants׳ Khat chewing behaviors are similar to what is common in countries with traditional Khat use. But Khat chewing tended to be less among immigrants who were relatively more oriented towards their cultures of origin. Chewing Khat was subjectively considered to help coping with problems, to forget bad memories and to concentrate better. Conclusions It was concluded that Khat chewing serves a functional use of coping with stressful events in the present or in the past within this sample.
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severity of Khat dependence among adult Khat chewers the moderating influence of gender and age
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Anisa Dokam, Abed Alsameai, Mohammed Alsoofi, Najat Sayem Khalil, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Ethnopharmacological relevance: The escalating use of Khat (Catha edulis) in East Africa and Arabia is a major concern for public health. Yet little is known about the impact of Khat on behavior. There has been no study in the region to assess the extent to which dependence syndrome is associated with Khat use in this population. Aim of the study: To examine psychometric properties of the Severity of Dependence Scale-Khat (SDS-Khat), gender differences in patterns of Khat use and dependence, and the extent to which age moderated the link between gender and Khat dependence. Materials and methods: Two-hundred and seventy Khat chewers recruited in two Yemeni cities completed face-to-face interviews asking about demographics and patterns of Khat use. Validity of SDS-Khat was examined by the principle component analysis and reliability of the scale was tested by Cronbach׳s alpha. A series of chi-square tests and analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were conducted to examine gender differences in Khat use variables. Results: The results indicated that the mean age of Khat chewers was 30.52 years (95% CI: 29.34, 31.70) and 52% of them were males. The SDS-Khat was found to have two factors with moderate reliability. This pattern was consistent when the analysis was conducted in the entire sample and in each gender. Male Khat chewers reported more symptoms related to Khat dependence than female chewers. A significant gender by age interaction in SDS-Khat levels (p=0.013) revealed a positive association between age and Khat dependence in women only. Conclusion: These results provide initial support for the use of SDS-Khat in the assessment of Khat dependence in Yemen. Gender differences in Khat use patterns and dependence observed in this study call the need for more studies carefully examining the role of gender in Khat research.
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Khat use ptsd and psychotic symptoms among somali refugees in nairobi a pilot study
Frontiers in Public Health, 2014Co-Authors: Marina Widmann, Mustafa Alabsi, Abdulkadir Hussein Warsame, Jan Mikulica, Johannes Von Beust, Maimuna Mohamud Isse, David M Ndetei, Michael OdenwaldAbstract:In East-African and Arab countries, Khat leaves are traditionally chewed in social settings. They contain the amphetamine-like alkaloid cathinone. Especially among Somali refugees, Khat use has been associated with psychiatric symptoms. We assessed Khat-use patterns and psychiatric symptoms among male Somali refugees living in a disadvantaged urban settlement area in Kenya, a large group that has not yet received scientific attention. We wanted to explore consume patterns and study the associations between Khat use, traumatic experiences, and psychotic symptoms. Using privileged access sampling, we recruited 33 healthy male Khat chewers and 15 comparable non-chewers. Based on extensive preparatory work, we assessed Khat use, Khat dependence according to DSMIV, traumatic experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychotic symptoms using standardized diagnostic instruments that had been adapted to the Somali language and culture. Hazardous use patterns like chewing for more than 24 h without interruption were frequently reported. All Khat users fulfilled the DSM-IV-criteria for dependence and 85% reported functional Khat use, i.e., that Khat helps them to forget painful experiences. We found that the studied group was heavily burdened by traumatic events and posttraumatic symptoms. Khat users had experienced more traumatic events and had more often PTSD than non-users. Most Khat users experience Khat-related psychotic symptoms and in a quarter of them we found true psychotic symptoms. In contrast, among control group members no psychotic symptoms could be detected. We found first evidence for the existence and high prevalence of severely hazardous use patterns, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, and Khat use as a self-medication of trauma-consequences among male Somali refugees in urban Kenyan refugee settlements. There is a high burden by psychopathology and adequate community-based interventions urgently need to be developed.
Saba Kassim - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the likelihood of Khat chewing serving as a neglected and reverse gateway to tobacco use among uk adult male Khat chewers a cross sectional study
BMC Public Health, 2014Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Nikki Lynn Rogers, Kelly Rebecca LeachAbstract:Background Chewing Khat leaves is often accompanied by tobacco use. We assessed aspects of tobacco use and explored factors associated with tobacco use patterns (frequency of use per week) among Khat chewers who used tobacco only when chewing Khat (“simultaneous tobacco and Khat users”, STKU).
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Khat dependence syndrome a cross sectional preliminary evaluation amongst uk resident yemeni Khat chewers
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Ray Croucher, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Khat is a natural psychostimulant that has pharmacological effects similar to that of amphetamine. The behaviour of Khat chewing is embedded within a cultural context. Meanwhile Khat chewing is associated with psychological and physiologically burden, as a ‘dependence producing' substance. Aims of the study To assess the applicability of the construct of substance dependence syndrome (DSM-IV, 1994) to Khat chewing and to examine psychosocial and behavioural correlates of this syndrome including tobacco use. Materials and methods A sample of 204 Khat chewers was recruited during random visits to Khat sale outlets. A face to face interview that assessed socio-demographic, psychosocial dependence, substance dependence syndrome and behavioural characteristics was conducted. Descriptive, exploratory psychometric and multivariate analyses were employed. Results Approximately a third (31%) of Khat chewers reported symptoms consistent with dependence syndrome including increased Khat chewing (13%) and cessation attempts (19%) while 17% reported withdrawal symptoms including depression (61%), increase in appetite (74%) and interrupted sleep (58%). Thirty-eight percent reported continued Khat chewing despite impacts on their health. Psychometric assessment of the DSM-IV criteria for Khat chewing dependence identified two factors; factor 1 consisted of bio-behavioural items and factor 2 withdrawal items, accounting for 67% of the variance and Cronbach's alpha coefficient at 0.78. In multivariate logistic regression modelling, there was an association between intensity of psychological Khat dependence (SDS-Khat) and nicotine dependence with the likelihood of exhibiting Khat chewing dependence syndrome ( p =0.0005, OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.33–1.71; p =0.043, OR=2.87, 95%CI=1.03–7.98, respectively). Conclusions The substance dependence syndrome criteria are applicable to Khat chewing and associated with increased intensity of nicotine and psychological Khat dependence. The applicability of Khat dependence syndrome and exploration of its dimensions and associated factors should be extended in future research. Concurrent validation of these findings using specific objective measures for self-report Khat chewing is also recommended.
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correlates of nicotine dependence in u k resident yemeni Khat chewers a cross sectional study
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2011Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Sharif Islam, Ray CroucherAbstract:INTRODUCTION Khat chewing is often associated with tobacco use with impacts on health. This cross-sectional study aimed (a) to explore and validate aspects of self-reported tobacco smoking and whether objective measures of tobacco smoking differ in different situations among Khat chewers who smoked and (b) to assess the social factors correlated with nicotine dependence among Khat chewers who smoked regularly. METHODS This study recruited a purposive sample of 204 U.K. resident Yemeni Khat chewers during random visits to Khat sale outlets. Data were collected via a face-to-face scheduled interview. Data analyses included descriptive tests and a hierarchical linear multiple regression. RESULTS Of 133 self-reported tobacco smokers, 68% were regular smokers with a mean (SD) carbon monoxide (CO) score (20.53 ± 12.12 ppm) and 32% were episodic smokers with a mean (SD) CO score (16 ± 15.66 ppm). Tobacco smoking as an enhancement of the impacts of Khat chewing was reported by 65% and 69% of regular and episodic smokers, respectively. In both groups, higher CO scores were recorded during Khat chewing. Hierarchical linear multiple regression modeling showed that increases in levels of severity of dependence on Khat chewing were correlated positively with increase in levels of nicotine dependence (β = .27, p = .006, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.29), whereas social participation was correlated inversely (β = -.34, p = .001, 95% CI = -0.06, -0.02). CONCLUSIONS In this study, smoking prevalence was high. Smoking increased during Khat chewing. Nicotine dependence levels correlated positively with Khat dependence levels, while higher social participation reduced nicotine dependence.
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validity and reliability of a severity of dependence scale for Khat sds Khat
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Sharif Islam, Ray CroucherAbstract:Aims of the study: (1) To assess psychological Khat dependence and (2) to assess the validity and reliability of the Severity Dependence Scale (Gossop et al., 1995) amended for Khat use (SDS-Khat), in a sample of UK-resident male adult Yemeni Khat chewers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a face to face structured interview schedule was conducted amongst purposively sampled UK-resident adult Yemeni male Khat chewers, aged 18 years and above, selected during random visits to places of Khat sale. A factor analysis with principal components extraction was conducted to explore the construct validity of the proposed SDS-Khat. Reliability of the proposed scale was assessed using test–retest and internal reliability tests. The concurrent validity of the proposed SDS-Khat was assessed in relation to individual measures and a composite index of Khat chewing behaviours using univariate analyses. Results: Two hundred and four Yemeni male adult Khat chewers were interviewed. The mean score of the proposed SDS-Khat was 5.52 (SD ±4.03). Forty nine percent of respondents (95% CI = 43–55%) with ≤5 scores were more likely not psychologically dependent. A single factor, uni-dimensional solution identifying the five items making up the scale accounted for 52.33% of variance. The internal reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.76) and the test retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Many individual aspects of the Khat chewing were significantly related to the scale. Assessment of the proposed SDS-Khat’s concurrent validity with individual items of Khat chewing identified several significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) whilst the composite index of Khat behaviour also identified a significant relationship (OR = 14.40, 95% CI = 6.71–30.89). The proposed SDS-Khat also correlated with self-reported reasons for Khat chewing (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.80–6.96). Conclusions: In this sample of Yemeni Khat chewers the SDS-Khat is recommended as a valid and reliable research tool for measuring psychological dependence upon Khat. Further validation in other samples is indicated.
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Khat chewing amongst uk resident male yemeni adults an exploratory study
International Dental Journal, 2006Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Ray CroucherAbstract: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.
Ray Croucher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Khat dependence syndrome a cross sectional preliminary evaluation amongst uk resident yemeni Khat chewers
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Ray Croucher, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Khat is a natural psychostimulant that has pharmacological effects similar to that of amphetamine. The behaviour of Khat chewing is embedded within a cultural context. Meanwhile Khat chewing is associated with psychological and physiologically burden, as a ‘dependence producing' substance. Aims of the study To assess the applicability of the construct of substance dependence syndrome (DSM-IV, 1994) to Khat chewing and to examine psychosocial and behavioural correlates of this syndrome including tobacco use. Materials and methods A sample of 204 Khat chewers was recruited during random visits to Khat sale outlets. A face to face interview that assessed socio-demographic, psychosocial dependence, substance dependence syndrome and behavioural characteristics was conducted. Descriptive, exploratory psychometric and multivariate analyses were employed. Results Approximately a third (31%) of Khat chewers reported symptoms consistent with dependence syndrome including increased Khat chewing (13%) and cessation attempts (19%) while 17% reported withdrawal symptoms including depression (61%), increase in appetite (74%) and interrupted sleep (58%). Thirty-eight percent reported continued Khat chewing despite impacts on their health. Psychometric assessment of the DSM-IV criteria for Khat chewing dependence identified two factors; factor 1 consisted of bio-behavioural items and factor 2 withdrawal items, accounting for 67% of the variance and Cronbach's alpha coefficient at 0.78. In multivariate logistic regression modelling, there was an association between intensity of psychological Khat dependence (SDS-Khat) and nicotine dependence with the likelihood of exhibiting Khat chewing dependence syndrome ( p =0.0005, OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.33–1.71; p =0.043, OR=2.87, 95%CI=1.03–7.98, respectively). Conclusions The substance dependence syndrome criteria are applicable to Khat chewing and associated with increased intensity of nicotine and psychological Khat dependence. The applicability of Khat dependence syndrome and exploration of its dimensions and associated factors should be extended in future research. Concurrent validation of these findings using specific objective measures for self-report Khat chewing is also recommended.
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correlates of nicotine dependence in u k resident yemeni Khat chewers a cross sectional study
Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2011Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Sharif Islam, Ray CroucherAbstract:INTRODUCTION Khat chewing is often associated with tobacco use with impacts on health. This cross-sectional study aimed (a) to explore and validate aspects of self-reported tobacco smoking and whether objective measures of tobacco smoking differ in different situations among Khat chewers who smoked and (b) to assess the social factors correlated with nicotine dependence among Khat chewers who smoked regularly. METHODS This study recruited a purposive sample of 204 U.K. resident Yemeni Khat chewers during random visits to Khat sale outlets. Data were collected via a face-to-face scheduled interview. Data analyses included descriptive tests and a hierarchical linear multiple regression. RESULTS Of 133 self-reported tobacco smokers, 68% were regular smokers with a mean (SD) carbon monoxide (CO) score (20.53 ± 12.12 ppm) and 32% were episodic smokers with a mean (SD) CO score (16 ± 15.66 ppm). Tobacco smoking as an enhancement of the impacts of Khat chewing was reported by 65% and 69% of regular and episodic smokers, respectively. In both groups, higher CO scores were recorded during Khat chewing. Hierarchical linear multiple regression modeling showed that increases in levels of severity of dependence on Khat chewing were correlated positively with increase in levels of nicotine dependence (β = .27, p = .006, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.29), whereas social participation was correlated inversely (β = -.34, p = .001, 95% CI = -0.06, -0.02). CONCLUSIONS In this study, smoking prevalence was high. Smoking increased during Khat chewing. Nicotine dependence levels correlated positively with Khat dependence levels, while higher social participation reduced nicotine dependence.
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validity and reliability of a severity of dependence scale for Khat sds Khat
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Sharif Islam, Ray CroucherAbstract:Aims of the study: (1) To assess psychological Khat dependence and (2) to assess the validity and reliability of the Severity Dependence Scale (Gossop et al., 1995) amended for Khat use (SDS-Khat), in a sample of UK-resident male adult Yemeni Khat chewers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a face to face structured interview schedule was conducted amongst purposively sampled UK-resident adult Yemeni male Khat chewers, aged 18 years and above, selected during random visits to places of Khat sale. A factor analysis with principal components extraction was conducted to explore the construct validity of the proposed SDS-Khat. Reliability of the proposed scale was assessed using test–retest and internal reliability tests. The concurrent validity of the proposed SDS-Khat was assessed in relation to individual measures and a composite index of Khat chewing behaviours using univariate analyses. Results: Two hundred and four Yemeni male adult Khat chewers were interviewed. The mean score of the proposed SDS-Khat was 5.52 (SD ±4.03). Forty nine percent of respondents (95% CI = 43–55%) with ≤5 scores were more likely not psychologically dependent. A single factor, uni-dimensional solution identifying the five items making up the scale accounted for 52.33% of variance. The internal reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.76) and the test retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Many individual aspects of the Khat chewing were significantly related to the scale. Assessment of the proposed SDS-Khat’s concurrent validity with individual items of Khat chewing identified several significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) whilst the composite index of Khat behaviour also identified a significant relationship (OR = 14.40, 95% CI = 6.71–30.89). The proposed SDS-Khat also correlated with self-reported reasons for Khat chewing (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.80–6.96). Conclusions: In this sample of Yemeni Khat chewers the SDS-Khat is recommended as a valid and reliable research tool for measuring psychological dependence upon Khat. Further validation in other samples is indicated.
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Khat chewing amongst uk resident male yemeni adults an exploratory study
International Dental Journal, 2006Co-Authors: Saba Kassim, Ray CroucherAbstract: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.
Motohiro Nakajima - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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correlates of Khat use during pregnancy a cross sectional study
Addictive Behaviors, 2017Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Mulusew G Jebena, Mohammed Taha, Markos Tesfaye, Esayas Kebede Gudina, Andrine Lemieux, Richard Hoffman, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Objectives Khat is widely used in East African countries including Ethiopia. A growing body of evidence indicates that long-term Khat use is associated with various health consequences. The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude and correlates of Khat use in pregnant women. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, face-to-face interview design that included 642 pregnant women receiving antenatal care services at primary care centers in Ethiopia. A series of chi-square tests and regression models were conducted to examine whether Khat use status (i.e., 123 current Khat users, 41 former Khat users, and 478 non-users) was associated with socio-demographic, mental distress, and substance use measures. Results As compared with non-users, current and former Khat users had higher levels of depressive symptoms and distress. Khat users minimized potential health risks associated with Khat use. Social and motivational factors related to Khat use were different between current and former Khat users. Conclusions Findings of this study suggest a substantial prevalence of Khat use among pregnant women in Ethiopia and highlight the role of socio-demographic and cultural influences on Khat use during pregnancy. Health care professionals in the region where Khat is available are encouraged to ask their female patients about Khat use and encourage them to refrain from use while they are pregnant. The positive link between Khat and mental distress warrants further research focusing on biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of this relationship.
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level of Khat dependence use patterns and psychological correlates in yemen a cross sectional investigation
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 2017Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Richard G Hoffman, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Chronic Khat use is associated with negative health consequences. However, no study has fully characterized individuals who are Khat dependent. This paper examines socio-demographic and psychosocial correlates of adult Khat dependence. A total of 270 Khat users (129 women) in Yemen completed face-to-face interviews and provided demographic information and data on patterns of Khat use, subjective mood, and sleep quality. The Severity of Dependence Scale-Khat (SDS-Khat) was used to assess level of Khat dependence. A series of analysis of variance was conducted. Khat users, on average, used Khat for 5.2 hours a day (SD = 2.3) for 5.7 days a week (SD = 2.0). Individuals who screened positive for Khat dependence reported longer duration of Khat sessions per day, higher frequency of Khat use per week, greater levels of negative mood and sleep disturbances, and were more likely to endorse physical symptoms after Khat use (P < 0.05). Future research should elucidate mechanisms responsible for Khat dependence symptomatology.
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Khat chewing and acculturation in east african migrants living in frankfurt am main germany
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015Co-Authors: Stephan Bongard, Motohiro Nakajima, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Khat (Catha edulis, Forsk) is a drug widely used in countries around the Red Sea (East-Africa and Arabian Peninsula). In Germany Khat chewing is illegal but nevertheless an often observed habit in immigrants from this region. This study investigates the interrelation between immigrants acculturation processes and traditional Khat chewing habits. Materials and Methods Sixty-one Khat chewers (14 female) from East-African countries were interviewed about their Khat chewing habits and acculturation strategy using standardized questionnaires. Results Results indicate that immigrants׳ Khat chewing behaviors are similar to what is common in countries with traditional Khat use. But Khat chewing tended to be less among immigrants who were relatively more oriented towards their cultures of origin. Chewing Khat was subjectively considered to help coping with problems, to forget bad memories and to concentrate better. Conclusions It was concluded that Khat chewing serves a functional use of coping with stressful events in the present or in the past within this sample.
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severity of Khat dependence among adult Khat chewers the moderating influence of gender and age
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Anisa Dokam, Abed Alsameai, Mohammed Alsoofi, Najat Sayem Khalil, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:Ethnopharmacological relevance: The escalating use of Khat (Catha edulis) in East Africa and Arabia is a major concern for public health. Yet little is known about the impact of Khat on behavior. There has been no study in the region to assess the extent to which dependence syndrome is associated with Khat use in this population. Aim of the study: To examine psychometric properties of the Severity of Dependence Scale-Khat (SDS-Khat), gender differences in patterns of Khat use and dependence, and the extent to which age moderated the link between gender and Khat dependence. Materials and methods: Two-hundred and seventy Khat chewers recruited in two Yemeni cities completed face-to-face interviews asking about demographics and patterns of Khat use. Validity of SDS-Khat was examined by the principle component analysis and reliability of the scale was tested by Cronbach׳s alpha. A series of chi-square tests and analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were conducted to examine gender differences in Khat use variables. Results: The results indicated that the mean age of Khat chewers was 30.52 years (95% CI: 29.34, 31.70) and 52% of them were males. The SDS-Khat was found to have two factors with moderate reliability. This pattern was consistent when the analysis was conducted in the entire sample and in each gender. Male Khat chewers reported more symptoms related to Khat dependence than female chewers. A significant gender by age interaction in SDS-Khat levels (p=0.013) revealed a positive association between age and Khat dependence in women only. Conclusion: These results provide initial support for the use of SDS-Khat in the assessment of Khat dependence in Yemen. Gender differences in Khat use patterns and dependence observed in this study call the need for more studies carefully examining the role of gender in Khat research.
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habitual Khat and concurrent Khat and tobacco use are associated with subjective sleep quality
Preventing Chronic Disease, 2014Co-Authors: Motohiro Nakajima, Anisa Dokam, Mohammed Alsoofi, Najat Sayem Khalil, Abed Naji Kasim, Mustafa AlabsiAbstract:INTRODUCTION Khat (Catha edulis) is widely used in East Africa and the Middle East, often in combination with tobacco smoking. Sleep disturbance has been linked with habitual Khat use; however, no systematic attempt has been made to test the hypothesis that use of Khat and Khat and tobacco in combination are related to sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbances are associated with dysregulations in emotional and physiological functions and can increase health risks. METHODS We developed and used the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to conduct a cross-sectional study in Yemen examining subjective sleep quality in 151 concurrent users of Khat and tobacco, 141 Khat-only users, and 92 nonusers. Measures on subjective mood were also collected. A series of analyses of variance and χ(2) tests were conducted to test whether Khat and tobacco use was linked with sleep disturbances. RESULTS Concurrent users of tobacco and Khat and Khat-only users showed greater sleep disturbances than nonusers as assessed by the PSQI global scores (all P values < .001) and component scores. PSQI scores were correlated with negative and positive mood (all P values < .004). CONCLUSION Sleep disturbances may be 1 mechanism of the link between Khat, tobacco, and negative health outcomes. Our findings may be useful in developing targeted prevention and harm-reduction strategies to minimize health care burdens associated with these substances. Our study also provides initial support for the Arabic version of PSQI.
Nilesh Patel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Khat catha edulis forsk and now there are three
Brain Research Bulletin, 2019Co-Authors: Nilesh PatelAbstract:Abstract For centuries, a large number of people living in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa have chewed the fresh leaves and twigs of the plant Catha edulis Forsk, more commonly known as Khat, for its psychostimulatory effect. The main active compound in Khat is cathinone, whose synthetic derivatives form a part of the new psychoactive substances list. This review summaries the prevalence of Khat use, its harvesting and consumption, the biosynthetic pathway in Khat, the mechanism of action, the results from animal and human studies, and its dependence potential. It is unlikely that Khat use will be prohibited in countries where it is traditionally consumed and socially acceptable unlike in other countries of the world where both the importation and the consumption of Khat and cathinone is banned. Khat users being mainly Muslims prohibited from using alcohol or other drugs probably represent the largest global number of mono-drug users of an amphetamine-like stimulant. Thus, Khat use represents a unique situation and a neglected area of research in Africa.
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proconvulsant effect of Khat catha edulis in sprague dawley rats
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Eren Oyungu, P G Kioy, Nilesh PatelAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Catha edulis (Khat) is a plant whose fresh young leaves are used by an estimated five million people in eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a drug of recreation. The fresh leaves and shoots are rich in cathinone, a psychostimulant with effects similar to those of amphetamines. Psychostimulants produce a dose-related excitation of the central nervous system which can lead to seizures and convulsions. However there are no reports on studies of the effect of this herb on brain excitability and seizures. This knowledge is useful for doctors who may prescribe drugs whose side effects include lowering seizure threshold because there could be additive proconvulsant effect among Khat users. Aim of the study to determined whether Khat lowers pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold. Methodology Male Sprague dawley rats were given fresh aqueous Khat extract, old aqueous Khat extract (3 g/kg bw), methylphenidate or saline and the timed intravenous (PTZ) seizure threshold test was used to study its effect on seizure threshold. Results Fresh Khat (3 g/kg) and methylphenidate (4 mg/kg) lowered PTZ seizure threshold. Conclusion Khat lowers seizure threshold.
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effect of catha edulis Khat on behaviour and its potential to induce seizures in sprague dawley rats
East African Medical Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Eren Oyungu, P G Kioy, Nilesh PatelAbstract:Background: Khat is a plant whose young shoots and leaves are habitually used in Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a drug of recreation. Although it is used without any control in these regions, it contains two controlled substances, cathinone (schedule I) which is present in fresh Khat and cathine (schedule VI) which is a degradation product of cathinone abundant in old Khat. Objective: To determine the effect of Khat on locomotor behaviour and seizures in rats. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University of Nairobi. Subjects: Adult male rats in groups of six were given fresh Khat, old Khat, methylphenidate and saline at varying doses and observed over three hours. Results: Fresh Khat at low doses and old Khat at high doses stimulated locomotor activity. High doses of fresh and old Khat induced stereotype behaviour and seizures. Conclusion: The results show that Khat stimulates locomotor and stereotypic behavioural activity and can induce seizures; results similar to those observed with amphetamine analogs.
