Khat use among HIV voluntary counselling and testing centre clients in Ethiopia

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15099749
AutoresDella Berhanu (0000-0002-4984-893X, University of London, autor de correspondencia), Vivian F Go (0000-0003-4828-6880, Johns Hopkins University), Andrea Ruff (0000-0002-0574-2818, Johns Hopkins University), David D Celentano (0000-0002-6061-8799, Johns Hopkins University), Tewabech Bishaw (American Public Health Association)
Año2012
Volumen14
Número10
Páginas1197-1212
Fecha de publicación2012-11-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2012.722684
PMID22988913
OpenAlexW2031319585
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas21

Khat (Catha edulis, a natural stimulant), has been used in Ethiopia for centuries. Over the past few decades, however, its use has dramatically increased, with recent research linking khat use to HIV status. Using qualitative methods, we explored the individual and micro-environmental characteristics of khat use and the social and physical contexts influencing type, acceptability and consequences of khat use. Among khat chewers attending an HIV voluntary counselling and testing centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we found that chewing typically starts at an early age (15-18 years). The majority of users are young (aged 18-35) and chew for pleasure, primarily in social settings. Over 25 types of khat, with varying effects were reported. Approximately half of the participants perceived khat to enhance sexual desire, while the rest claimed the effect on sexual desire to be the opposite. Alcohol use among chewers was high. Our findings suggest the need for culturally appropriate interventions that highlight the factors associated with khat use and the potential interplay between khat, alcohol and risky sexual behaviour

Environmental health · Family medicine · Health services · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Khat · Management · Psychiatry · Turnover · Voluntary counseling and testing · Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Medicine · Psychology