Level of khat dependence, use patterns, and psychosocial correlates in Yemen: a cross-sectional investigation

ABSTRACT

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