Khat Use: What Is the Problem and What Can Be Done?

Table 1

Problems associated with khat use.

Theme	Frequency response^*
Social problems (including family breakdown and family violence, poor social integration, social isolation, and withdrawal)	All; 48 out of 48: 100%
Adverse physical health effects (including gastrointestinal problems and dental problems)	Majority; 36 out of 48: 75%
Adverse mental health effects (including mood instability, disturbed behaviour, and psychotic symptoms)	Majority; 35 out of 48: 73%
Perpetuation of unemployment	Majority; 28 out of 48: 58%
Neglect of social roles and responsibilities	Half; 24 out of 48: 50%
Negative impact on level of functioning	Few; 15 out of 48: 31%
Neglect of meaningful activities	Few; 6 out of 48: 13%

Few: less than half of the participants, Half: half of the participants, Majority: more than half of the participants, and All: all of the participants.