Khat chewing increases the risk for developing chronic liver disease: A hospital-based case-control study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is a widespread practice with suspected links to liver disease.
• Previous research lacked controlled studies to confirm the association between khat use and chronic liver disease (CLD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between khat chewing and the development of chronic liver disease (CLD).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted in Ethiopia involving 150 CLD patients and 300 controls.
• Khat consumption was quantified in "khat years" (daily 200g for 1 year).
• Logistic regression analysis controlled for confounders like age, alcohol, and hepatitis B/C infection.

Main Results:

• A significant crude association was found between khat chewing and CLD risk (OR 2.64).
• In men, adjusted odds ratios for CLD risk increased with khat exposure: low (3.58), moderate (5.90), and high (13.03).
• Findings remained robust after excluding individuals with other CLD risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Khat chewing is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing CLD.
• The strong, dose-dependent association in men suggests a potential causal link.
• Given the global rise in khat use, these findings have significant public health implications.