Is khat chewing associated with HIV risk Behaviour? A community-based study from Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examines the possible association between the stimulant khat and risky sexual behaviour that mightaggravate the spread of HIV. Acommunity-based cross-sectional survey involving 4 000 individuals and focusgroup discussions were conducted to assess the attitudes and perceptions of an Ethiopian population towards thehabit of khat-chewing and its possible association with risky sexual behaviour. All participants in the focus groupdiscussions and 38% of the survey respondents were of the opinion that behaviours associated with the mildnarcotic effects of khat are conducive to casual sex, and hence constitute an increased risk for contracting andspreading HIV. Asignificant shift towards casualsex practices was observed in response to the effects induced bythe substance, and a strong association was observed between khat-chewing, indulgence in alcohol and recourseto risky sexual behaviours. There was no significant difference in the use or non-use of condoms among thosemale chewers who admitted resorting to casual sex after khat-chewing. We suggest that HIV/AIDS programmes incertain regions should address the habitual use of khat and other substances of potential abuse as part of their intervention efforts to curb the epidemic.