Khat chewing habit as a possible risk behaviour for HIV infection: a case-control study
Dawit Abebe; Asfaw Debella; Amare Dejene; Ambaye Degefa; Almaz Abebe; Kelbessa Urga; Lemma Ketema
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development 19(3): 174-181
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1021-6790 Document Number: 261684
Background: The use/abuse of psychoactive drugs such as khat leaves (Catha edulis) are believed to alter one's moods or emotional state either through the sustained release or inhibition of neurotransmitters, thereby enhancing or dampening the response of the individual. Most people whose thinking are warped by continued drug use may not be able to see the harm resulting from their actions. Thus, there has been a strong linkage between drug use and casual or unsafe sexual practice despite the serious concern about HIV infection. Objective: Khat chewing is known to be a widespread habit in Ethiopia. This study is, thus, aimed at investigating whether or not the use of this psychostimulant, alone or in conjunction with other behaviours associated with its use, constitutes a risk behaviour that accelerates the spread of HIV infection. Methods: A case-control study involving 850 human subjects, i.e. 425 HIV positive (cases) and 425 HIV negative individuals (controls), was conducted using rapid test algorithm and/or western blot method for the determination of HIV status. Both groups were interviewed about their probable khat chewing habits, alcohol intake, multiple sexual practice, and the like, using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS/PC+ statistical software. Results: Risk behaviours for HIV infection such as khat chewing in conjunction with alcohol intake and casual sex were observed more in people with HIV than in the control group. Khat chewing was significantly associated with multiple sexual practice (OR=4.03, 95% CI=3.02, 5.39), which in turn was strongly linked with HIV cases (OR=3.52, 95% CI=2.64, 4.69). Thus, more than the non-chewers, khat chewers constituted significantly higher number of HIV cases (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.75, 3.07). Conclusion/Recommendations: Khat chewing is a risk behaviour for the spread of HIV infection. Mainstreaming of khat control into national development planning initiatives is recommended.