Association Between Khat Use, Leisure-Time Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior Among Ethiopian Adults

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Khat (Catha edulis) is a stimulant widely used in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Khat use is associated with various physical, mental, and social health issues.
• The relationship between khat use and leisure-time physical activity or sedentary behavior remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between khat use and leisure-time physical activity.
• To examine the relationship between khat use and sedentary behavior in the Ethiopian population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cross-sectional data from the WHO STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factor surveillance (STEPS).
• Inclusion of a population-based survey of 9,800 adults aged 15-69 years in Ethiopia.
• Assessment of khat use, leisure-time physical activity (vigorous and moderate intensity), and daily sedentary time.

Main Results:

• Overall khat use prevalence was 15.8%, with 68.6% classified as heavy users.
• Heavy khat users exhibited significantly longer daily sedentary times compared to light users (b=2.55, p<0.001).
• Sedentary time was also significantly associated with recent alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a link between heavy khat use and increased sedentary behavior in Ethiopia.
• Public health interventions for chronic disease prevention should consider strategies to reduce khat and alcohol use.
• Further longitudinal research is recommended to elucidate the causal relationship between khat use and physical activity patterns.