Effect Of Khat Chewing Research Articles

Effect of Khat Chewing on the Level of Testosterone Hormone in Blood among Adult Males in Rada'a Town -Yemen

This study relied on case-control method, and included 50 healthy people who were randomly selected out of people chewing khat with age ranged between 18-30 years old and had a body mass index (BMI ) of less than 30. All people with any diseases, factors and treatments that interfere or affect the results of this study have been excluded. The sample was divided into two groups, i.e. experimental and control. The experimental group was further divided into two groups. The first consisted of 20 chewing khat daily , while the second consisted of 10 chewing khat only once a week. The control group included 20 people who do not chew khat. Venous blood was collected from every group and subjected directly to measure of testosterone hormone level in Al-Saeeda Specialized Laboratories in Rada'a city. Also, this study showed that the mean level of testosterone in people who chew khat daily was significantly higher ( p = 0 026 ) in comparison with those who do not chew it (control group), the average increase in the level of testosterone hormone in daily khat chewer group by 1ng/ml of serum, Also the results showed no significant difference observed in testosterone level between one time per week khat chewers and non-chewing but the level of testosterone increased gradually from zeero day (non-chewing) and reached the maximum with seven days per week chewing group. The study also showed that there was no statistically significant effect of the variables of age, body mass, time period of chewing khat and the number of hours of chewing khat per day on the level of testosterone in the blood. We conclude that the effect of khat on testosterone was very low when compared to other studies, may be because khat contains some chemicals such as pesticides and agricultural fertilizers that directly or indirectly affect the level of testosterone in the blood of khat chewer. Keywords: Testosterone Hormone; Khat; Rada'a Town هدفت الدراسة إلى معرفة تأثير تعاطي القات على مستويات هرمون التستوستيرون في الدم لدى البالغين الذين يمضغون القات في مدينة رداع محافظة البيضاء، ومعرفة علاقة ذلك بالعمر ومؤشر كتلة الجسم. واعتمدت هذه الدراسة على طريقة case control، وشملت 50 شخصاً سليماً تم اختيارهم عًشوائياً بناء على المقابلة الشخصية والاستبيان، حيث تراوحت أعمارهم بين 18 و 30 عاماً وكان مؤشر كتلة الجسم لديهم أقل من 30. تم تقسيمهم إلى مجموعتين، ضمت مجموعة الحالات (المجموعة التجريبية) 30 شخصا يتعاطون القات، من بينهم 20 شخصاً يتعاطون القات بشكل يومي، بينما يستخدم 10 أشخاص القات يوماً واحد اًفقط في الأسبوع، والمجموعة الضابطة ضمت 20 شخصاً لا يتعاطون القات. مع العلم أنه تم استبعاد جميع الأمراض والعوامل والعلاجات التي قد تتدخل أو تؤثر على نتائج هذه الدراسة. تم سحب 3 مل من الدم الوريدي من كل حالة ووضعها مباشرة في أنابيب لا تحتوي على مضادات التخثر، وبعد أن تجلط الدم بشكل كامل، تم فصل المصل واستخدامه لقياس مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون في مختبرات السعيدة التخصصية بمدينة رداع. وأظهرت هذه الدراسة أن متوسط مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون لدى الأشخاص الذين يمضغون القات يومياً كان أعلى بكثير p = 0.026 بالمقارنة مع أولئك الذين لا يمضغونه (المجموعة الضابطة). وتشير النتائج إلى زيادة متوسطة في مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون في مجموعة مضغ القات اليومية بمقدار 1 نانوجرام / مل من مصل الدم ، ولا يزال هذا التغيير ضمن النطاق الطبيعي لهرمون التستوستيرون لدى الذكور البالغين ، كما لم تظهر النتائج فروقًا معنوية ملحوظة في مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون بين ماضغين القات ليوم واحد فقط في الأسبوع وغير الماضغين، ولكن مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون زاد تدريجياً من صفر يوم (غير مضغ) ووصل إلى الحد الأقصى مع مضغ مجموعة سبعة أيام في الأسبوع ، كما أوضحت الدراسة عدم وجود تأثير ذي دلالة إحصائية لمتغيرات العمر وكتلة الجسم والفترة الزمنية لمضغ القات وعدد ساعات مضغ القات في اليوم على مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون في الدم. ونستنتج أن القات بما يحتويه من مواد كيميائية ومبيدات وأسمدة زراعية قد يؤثر بشكل مباشر أو غير مباشر على مستوى هرمون التستوستيرون في دم متعاطي القات، ولذلك يوصي الباحثون بضرورة الإقلاع عن ظاهرة مضغ القات لما له من آثار سلبية على الصحة العامة وصحة الجهاز التناسلي بشكل خاص. الكلمات المفتاحية: هرمون التستوستيرون: قات: مدينة رداع

The effect of possible mediators on the association between chewing khat during pregnancy and fetal growth and newborn size at birth in Eastern Ethiopia

IntroductionRestriction in the growth of the fetus is a leading cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and short- and long-term morbidity. Documented existing scientific evidence have shown the effects of maternal drugs use, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, cocaine use and heroin use on fetal growth restriction. However, data is lacking on the effects of khat chewing during pregnancy on fetal growth status and newborn size at birth. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to measure the effect of chewing khat during pregnancy on fetal growth and size at birth in eastern Ethiopia.MethodA cohort study was conducted in selected health institutions in eastern Ethiopia. All pregnant women fulfilled the eligibility criteria in the selected health institutions was the source population. The calculated sample size of exposed and unexposed groups included in the study, in total, was 344. Data collection was performed prospectively by interviewers administered questionnaires, and anthropometric, clinical and ultrasound measurements. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 and STATA version 16 software. The survival analysis (cox proportional hazards model) and generalized linear model (GLM) for the binomial family analysis were performed to estimate the crude and adjusted relative risk and attributable risk (AR) with corresponding 95% CI of chewing khat on fetal growth restriction. The mediation effect has been examined through Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) analysis using the Stata ‘gsem’ command. Statistically significant association was declared at p-value less than 5%.ResultsIn the present study, the incidence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) among the study cohorts was 95 (29.7%); of this, 81 (85.3%) were among khat chewer cohorts. The relative risk of fetal growth restriction among khat chewer cohort mothers was significantly higher (aRR = 4.32; 95%CI 2.62–7.12). Moreover, the incidence of small for gestational age at birth among the present study cohorts was 100 (31.3%); 84 (84%) were from khat chewer cohorts’ deliveries. More importantly, in the present study, 98.95% of the ultrasound-identified fetuses with FGR were found to be SGA at birth. Hence, in the current study, FGR was highly associated with SGA at birth. In additional analysis, the regression coefficient of khat chewing during pregnancy on fetal growth restriction has been decreased in size from path o, β = 0.43, p < 0.001 to path o’, β = 0.32, p < 0.001, after adjusting for gestational hypertension and maternal anemia.ConclusionIn sum, the present study showed khat chewing during pregnancy is not simply affected the mothers, but it also affected the unborn fetuses. Therefore, the health workers as well as the local community and religious leaders should give high emphasis on provision of health education regarding the damage of chewing khat by pregnant mothers, with especial focus of the effects on their fetuses.

Magnitude and predictors of stroke treatment outcomes in low resource settings: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundStroke is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global burden of disease study indicates that 87% of stroke deaths occur in low- and middle-income regions. Currently, stroke has become an important public health problem in Ethiopia. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data published in May 2018, stroke deaths in Ethiopia reached 32,859 or 5.38% of total deaths. It is the fourth leading cause of death. So the current study was aimed to assess stroke treatment outcomes and their associated factors. MethodA cross-sectional study design was conducted on stroke patients who had been hospitalized in the last two years (April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022) using a simple random technique. The stroke treatment outcome was the outcome variable. The collected data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done, and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultOf the total 135 hospitalized stroke patients at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH) and Bedele General Hospital (BGH), the majority 85 (63%) of them were males. About two-thirds of the stroke patients had ischemic strokes 87(64.4%). Regarding their treatment outcomes, nearly two thirds 85(63%) of the patients had poor treatment outcomes. The most commonly prescribed drugs for stroke treatment were Aspirin [ASA] plus Atorvastatin that accounts 50(37%). Age ≥ 65 (AOR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.027–0.64, P = 0.012), lack of formal education (AOR: 6.5; 95% CI: 1.09–38.81, P = 0.04), chewing a khat (AOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.03–6.9, P = 0.043), Glasgow coma scale 8 (AOR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.68–11.32, P = 0.002), and admission to hospital after 24 h of stroke symptom(AOR: 17.7; 95% CI: 3.78–83.5, P < 0.001) were a predictors of stroke treatment outcomes. ConclusionNearly two thirds of the patients had poor treatment outcomes, and ischemic stroke was found to be the most commonlydiagnosed stroke types at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH) and Bedele General Hospital (BGH). Along with other socio-demographic factors, delayed admission (after 24 h of symptom onset), low Glasgow coma scale and being a khat chewer were strongly associated with poor treatment outcome. Therefore, health education about the effects of khat chewing and the symptoms of strokes should be given to stroke patients in order to prevent the risk of a delayed admission.

Khat Chewing and Cardiovascular Disease.

Khat chewing is a deeply rooted habit in Yemen. It has social, economic, and medical problems. Chronic use of khat chewing increases the risk of many medical complications. Cathinone, the main khat leaf constituent, has an indirect sympathomimetic action. The effect of khat chewing and cathinone on the cardiovascular system have been identified, including increased risk of hypertension and acute cardiovascular events, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular complications among patients presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome who are khat chewers.

Designing Public Health Policy to Curb Health and Economic Impact of Khat Chewing

Introduction and Background: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) known for long period as an indigenous plant to Ethiopia, has many mixed effects and impact. Some consider it as a good means to socialize. Others consider it as a good source of income. Nowadays, as a result of its effect on health, public health concern is growing. However, there are no policies controlling these khat effects. Objective: To present policy option to curtail health and economic impact of khat chewing practice in Ethiopia. Methods: Narrative literature review was made to look into different effects of khat chewing with a particular reference to Ethiopia. Key findings khat chewing has stimulating, euphoric and addictive effects. It has a constricting effect on blood vessels leading to hypertension. It has also neuropsychiatric and physical consequences including aggression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, paranoia, manic behaviors, insomnia, depression, increased heart rate, anorexia and weight loss, dental and pulmonary problems. Additionally, khat abuse found linked to liver damage and failure. Conclusion: Given that medical risks of khat use are modest, or studies are not conclusive, there should be a regulatory framework with the objective of protecting consumers and community. This is best achieved by establishing processes for the quality control of khat and by regulating access and availability. Conclusive studies are very rare and even some are inadequate and contradictory. Most of the evidences on adverse effects of khat come from case reports and observational studies. Therefore, high quality research is justified.

Effects of Khat on Surface Roughness and Color of Feldspathic and Zirconia Porcelain Materials under Simulated Oral Cavity Conditions.

Background and Objectives: Khat chewing is considered as a daily habit that is practiced by more than five million people globally. The effect of khat chewing on the surface roughness and the color stability of natural teeth and the material used in the fabrication of dental prosthesis remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore and compare the effect of khat homogenate (KH) on the surface roughness (Ra) and the average color changes (ΔE*) amongst natural teeth and selected shades from different porcelain types, namely, feldspathic metal ceramic (MC) VM13, computer-aided design/computer assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) feldspathic (Vitablocs Mark II), and multilayer zirconia (Ceramill Zolid PS) porcelains. Materials and Methods: Seventy samples were prepared from natural teeth, feldspathic MC, CAD/CAM Vitablocs Mark II, and zirconia porcelain. The Ra values were measured using a profilometer and expressed in micrometers, whereas the ΔE* values were measured using VITA Easyshade® V spectrophotometer for all samples before and after frequent immersion and thermocycling in KH for 30 days. The surface topography was used to assess the materials surfaces (glazed or polished) after KH immersion by using a white light interferometry machine. Results: Results revealed that the Ra and the ΔE* values of the different types of tested porcelain were influenced by KH. The order of surface roughness values was glazed or polished MC > polished Zircon > polished Vitablocs Mark II > natural teeth. The lowest ΔE* values were recorded for glazed Vitablocs Mark II and MC, and the values could be arranged as polished zircon > natural teeth > glazed zircon > polished MC > polished Vitablocs Mark II. P values were significantly varied (<0.001) among all the tested groups, except the zircon group (>0.05) for both Ra and ΔE*. Conclusions: KH significantly affected both surface parameter and color of glazed or polished porcelain materials and natural teeth.

&lt;p&gt;Khat Chewing and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus&lt;/p&gt;

ObjectiveKnowledge about the effects of khat chewing on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development and glycemic control is very sparse. Emerging data suggest that khat chewing may increase the risk of T2DM occurrence. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the prevalence of khat chewing in Saudi people with T2DM in Jazan, Saudi Arabia and to determine the association of khat chewing with T2DM development and glycemic control in T2DM.MethodsThis is an analytical, cross-sectional study that included 472 Saudi participants selected randomly from primary healthcare centers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A chi-square test and logistic regression were performed in the statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of khat chewing in Saudi patients with T2DM in Jazan was 29.3%. After adjusting for covariates, khat chewing was significantly associated with T2DM (odds ratio 3.5), indicating that khat chewers had a more than three times higher risk of developing T2DM than those who do not chew khat. However, there was no association between khat chewing and glycemic control in T2DM.ConclusionKhat chewing was highly prevalent in Saudi people with T2DM in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. There was an association between khat chewing and the development of T2DM. Establishing the causal association of khat chewing with T2DM development and glycemic control and clarifying the biological role of khat in T2DM are important aims for future studies.

Effect of Khat Chewing on the Salivary pH before and after Using Mouthwashes.

BackgroundSaliva is a biological fluid that has multiple protective functions. These functions can be attained only if the saliva keeps certain physo-chemical properties such as pH. The main purpose of the current study was to compare the salivary pH among khat chewers and non-khat chewers before and after specific intervals (15, 30, and 60 minutes) of using three commercially available mouthwashes (MWs).MethodsIn this cross sectional study, thirty pharmacy student volunteers were divided into three groups of 10 for the three MWs. Each group was then subdivided into 5 volunteers as khat chewer and non-khat chewer. The statistical evaluation was carried out by using paired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for in vivo study of salivary pH.FindingsLow salivary pH in all khat-user volunteers before and after using MWs was indicated. There was an increase in the salivary pH after 15 minutes of rinsing with the three selected MWs for both groups of volunteers, after that there was a gradual decrease to the initial pH. The difference between the three groups was not significant at baseline and after 15 minutes, but there was a significant difference after 30 and 60 minutes for the non-khat-chewing and khat-chewing volunteers.ConclusionIt can be concluded that using MWs results in altering salivary pH and continuous khat chewing lowers the baseline pH of saliva and ability to compensate the change of salivary pH.

Khat-Tradition and Addiction in the Horn of Africa

Khat is a green leaved plant and stands the most important cash crop cultivated in the highlands of the horn of Africa and Gulf state. It belongs to plant family celastraceae and 44 different types of khat exist in the Arabian Peninsula. It has considerable social value as it is chewed by 44 million people worldwide. Khat the cash crop is considered holy and used to welcome and entertain guests, also controls soil erosion. Besides being positive it also constitutes much risky to the individuals. The medical and psychosocial effects of khat chewing depend on its capacity to lead to dependency (addiction) and to specific physical and behavioral effects. A link has also been shown to exist between khat use and increased exposure to HIV/AIDS. So the government should take necessary action to educate the public regarding the ill effects of the substance usage.

Prevalence of under Nutrition and Associated Factors among Khat Chewers in Khat Chewing Shops at Gulalle Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

There is studies limitation regarding the effect of khat chewing on nutritional status. Community based comparative cross-sectional study had been conducted from March to June, 2015; with cluster sampling and systematic random sampling techniques for khat chewers and non-khat chewers respectively. The data was collected by using interview administered questionnaire, observation and weight scale measurement among 504 study participants.The study revealed that from entire khat chewers 52(20.5%) of them and of non-khat chewers 34(13.5%) of them were underweight. Khat chewers were 2.102 times more likely underweight compared to those non-khat chewers. khat chewers who had meal twice per day were 2.856 time more likely underweight. Khat chewers who used animal and animal products as their main meal component daily were 0.413 times less likely to be underweight; Whereas the odds of underweight was 26% times less likely among khat users who intake two liters of fluid per chewing session. In other case, those who chewed khat for 2-3 hours per session were 0.231 times less likely to be underweight.Under nutrition is a public nutritional status problem in which khat chewers are more affected. Khat chewing conditions and meal conditions including amount of fluid consumed per chewing session are factors that affect the nutritional status of the khat chewers. Minimizing amount of khat consumed per session, shortening of khat chewing session length and increasing amount of fluid intake more than two liters per chewing session and nutritional management with nutritionist advices are important points.

The association of khat (Catha edulis) chewing and orodental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

It has been claimed that chewing khat (Catha edulis), a plant common in parts of eastern and southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is associated with a range of orodental problems. To provide a synthesis of the evidence on the association between khat chewing and orodental health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported on the association of khat chewing and outcomes related to orodental health identified through a systematic search using web-based electronic search engines. Nineteen studies were found suitable for this review. Of these, between two and five (based on the type of outcome measured) were suitable for meta-analysis. The rest were used only for qualitative synthesis. A meta-analysis of the association of khat chewing with mucosal white lesions, gum recession, periodontal pocketing and gum bleeding showed that chewing increased the odds of the respective oral problems. However, qualitative synthesis of the findings on the effect of khat chewing on oral micro-organisms showed no evidence that the practice favours the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms in the oral cavity - instead, it seems to favour the proliferation of micro-organisms compatible with orodental health. Khat chewing is associated with adverse orodental health outcomes. While literature on the topic is scarce and there is a need for generation of more evidence from different countries, on the basis of the evidence accumulated to date, public health officials and health practitioners should consider khat a threat to orodental health and take appropriate action.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of acetylsalicylic acid in Khat (Qat) chewing healthy volunteers

Aspirin is being extensively used in Yemen as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelets aggregation for prophylaxis of thrombotic heart diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 common brands of aspirin present in the market, weight variation, disintegration and dissolution, hardness and drug content and the effect of Khat chewing on their bioavailability. 28 healthy male volunteers (14 Khat chewing and 14 Khat non-chewing) were enrolled in the study; each received a single dose (600 mg) of aspirin. Urine samples were collected for 24 h. The urine concentrations of salicylic acid were then determined using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. Results obtained revealed that asweight variation, hardness, friability, dissolution, disintegration and drug content for both brands (a, b) were closely related to each other and within the acceptable pharmacopeial limits. For in vivo study, the results obtained showed that higher cumulative percentage excreted after 24 h, higher peak height (mg/h), higher percentage of bioavailability and the higher extent of absorption in Khat non-chewing volunteers than Khat chewing volunteers. While longer time of elimination was observed in Khat chewing volunteers than Khat non-chewing volunteers. In conclusion, we suggest that Khat chewing had a worse effect on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of the studied drug. Keywords: In vitro, in vivo, aspirin, Khat chewing.

Effect of khat chewing on 14 selected periodontal bacteria in sub‐ and supragingival plaque of a young male population

The habit of chewing khat (Catha edulis) for its amphetamine-like effects is highly prevalent in Yemen and east Africa, and has expanded to Western countries. The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the prevalence and levels of 14 periodontal bacteria in gingival plaque of khat chewers and khat nonchewers, as well as of khat chewing sides and khat nonchewing sides. A total of 408 sub- and supragingival plaque samples were collected from 51 young males (29 khat chewers and 22 khat nonchewers; age range 19-28 years) and analyzed using whole genomic DNA probes and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Clinical parameters were recorded for all teeth at six sites per tooth. Streptococcus intermedius and Veillonella parvula were significantly more prevalent in the subgingival plaque of chewers, which also showed significantly higher levels of V. parvula and Eikenella corrodens. Similar results were found for the subgingival plaque of the chewing sides compared to the nonchewing sides. However, there was a significantly higher prevalence and higher levels of Tannerella forsythia in the subgingival plaque of the nonchewing sides. No significant differences were observed for the supragingival plaque between the two study groups. There was a significantly lower prevalence of Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in the khat chewing sides, and higher levels of V. parvula and Actinomyces israelii. The data suggest that khat chewing induces a microbial profile that is not incompatible with gingival health.