The effects of khat (Catha edulis) use on the genitourinary system: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of the current study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing literature concerning the potential impact of khat on the reproductive systems. Five international databases, Embase, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge (ISI), and ProQuest, were searched from inception up to the end of January 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment of included studies. After several screening phases,10 articles were included in the final analysis. The pooled meta-analysis showed that women who use khat during pregnancy had a significantly higher chance of having low birth weight (LBW) (OR= 2.51, 95% CI: 1.61-3.95, p-value < 0.001) and congenital anomalies (OR= 3.17, 95% CI: 1.31-7.73, p-value = 0.011) compared to nonusers. The obtained results of the meta-analysis showed that the consumption of khat significantly reduces semen volume (standardized mean difference = -0.903, 95% CI: -1.801 to -0.007, p = 0.048). In conclusion, our study show that significant associations with LBW, congenital anomalies, and reduced semen volume underscores the necessity for additional research to delve deeper into the intricate complexities of how khat affects reproductive health in both women and men.