Motives for khat use and abstinence in Yemen - a gender perspective

Abstract

BackgroundKhat consumption is widespread in Yemeni society and causes problems both in economic development and public health. Preventive measures have been largely unsuccessful and the cultivation continues to proliferate. The gender-specific motives for khat use and abstinence were studied to create a toe-hold for more specific interventions.MethodsIn a quota sample with equal numbers of males, females, abstainers and consumers, 320 subjects were interviewed on their specific opinions about khat and its impact on subjective and public health, and on social and community functioning. Strata were compared in their acceptance and denial of opinions. Notions that could predict abstinence status or gender were identified with multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsMale khat users had a strong identification with khat use, while females were more ambivalent. The notion that khat consumption is a bad habit (odds ratio (OR) 3.4; p < 0.001) and consumers are malnuorished (OR 2.2; p = 0.046) were associated with female gender among khat users. Among the females worries about health impact (OR 3.2; p = 0.040) and loss of esteem in the family (OR 3.1; p = 0.048) when using khat predicted abstinence. Male abstainers opposed khat users in the belief that khat is the cause of social problems (OR 5.1, p < 0.001). Logistic regression reached an accuracy of 75 and 73% for the prediction of abstinence and 71% for gender among consumers. (All models p < 0.001.)ConclusionsDistinct beliefs allow a differentiation between males, females, khat users and abstainers when targeting preventive measures. In accordance to their specific values female khat users are most ambivalent towards their habit. Positive opinions scored lower than expected in the consumers. This finding creates a strong toe-hold for gender-specific public health interventions.

Khat Chewing among Students of Higher Education in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Pattern, and Related Factors

“…In a study among Yemeni Khat consumers, they argue that khat improves relationships in Yemeni society, is the best way to spend one's time, leads to relief of social and mental stress, and improves sexual experience during intercourse [30]. The available alternatives for youth to spend their time are limited in the region.…”

Severity of khat dependence among adult khat chewers: The moderating influence of gender and age

“…Reported motivators for using khat includes enhancing alertness during studying in students (Zein, 1988) and relief of physical and mental stress among women (Nabuzoka and Badhadhe, 2000; Wedegaertner et al, 2010). On the other hand, public health impacts of khat chewing (Cox and Rampes, 2003; Al-Motarreb et al, 2010; El-Wajeh and Thornhill, 2009) including khat dependence (Kassim et al, 2013; Kassim et al, 2010) have been reported (al'Absi and Grabowski, 2012).…”

Khat chewing and health related quality of life: cross-sectional study in Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…This habit routinely causes the chewer to neglect their families and consequently prompts conflict with the spouse [48]. Second, money spent on khat purchases can also cause conflict between spouses.…”