Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Summary
Kava (yaqona) use in Fiji is widespread, with drinkers experiencing side effects impacting family finances and well-being. This study highlights the need for national education on kava
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Kava, also known as yaqona or grog in Fiji, is a culturally significant beverage with widespread consumption.
- Male kava consumption is prevalent, often occurring in social settings.
- Previous research has indicated potential side effects of kava use, necessitating further community-level investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of kava consumption side effects within a Fijian community sample.
- To investigate the socio-economic impacts of kava use, particularly on family resources.
- To compare observed side effects with findings from other kava usage studies.
Main Methods:
- A convenient sample of 300 kava drinkers was surveyed in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, and Sigatoka, Fiji.
- Interviews were conducted with housewives of kava drinkers, employers, and market vendors to gather diverse perspectives on kava's effects.
- Questionnaires collected data on consumption levels, reasons for use, and experienced side effects.
Main Results:
- Housewives reported deprivation of basic family needs due to the financial expenditure on kava.
- Urban school data indicated significant kava experimentation among young males (64%) and females (46.2%).
- The study identified various side effects associated with kava consumption within the community.
Conclusions:
- Kava use is deeply embedded in Fijian culture, posing challenges for behavior modification.
- Findings underscore the necessity for national-level education regarding the harmful effects of kava.
- There is a need for the Ministry of Health to consider heavy kava intake as a contributing factor to morbidity in Fiji.
More Related Videos
07:04A High-performance Liquid Chromatography Measurement of Kynurenine and Kynurenic Acid: Relating Biochemistry to Cognition and Sleep in Rats
Published on: August 19, 2018
05:42Elevated Plus Maze Test Combined with Video Tracking Software to Investigate the Anxiolytic Effect of Exogenous Ketogenic Supplements
Published on: January 7, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Unlike...
01:12Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:30Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction
Drug–drug interactions can precipitate toxicity through multiple mechanisms. Absorption interactions alter how drugs enter the body, exemplified when ranitidine increases the absorption of basic drugs, while cholestyramine decreases the levels of propranolol. Protein binding interactions occur when drugs share the same binding sites on plasma proteins. Drugs like aspirin and warfarin, when bound in excess, can lead to increased free drug concentrations, enhancing the potential for...