title: Khat Use: What Is the Problem and What Can Be Done?
abstract: The chewing of khat leaves is an established tradition in East Africa but is much less prevalent in other areas of the world and is mostly limited to Somali communities. However, our understanding of what constitutes problematic khat use in the Somali community in Victoria, Australia, is limited. The objectives of this study were to better understand the views of Somali community representatives and primary care practitioners regarding problematic khat use, to consider relevant harm minimisation strategies, and to develop resources to assist individuals with problematic khat use and their families. Qualitative research methods were used to investigate the experiences and perceptions of khat use among Somalis and mainstream primary care practitioners. Six focus groups were conducted with 37 members of the Somali community and 11 primary care practitioners. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts. Various indicators of the problematic use of khat were identified, including adverse physical and mental health effects, social isolation, family breakdown, and neglect of social responsibilities. Potential harm minimisation strategies were identified including the adoption of health promotion through education, outreach to the community, and the use of universal harm minimisation strategies specifically tailored to khat use.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Yusuf Sheikh
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Omar
authors.affiliation: Victorian Transcultural Mental Health, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.affiliation: Victorian Transcultural Mental Health, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Marieke van Regteren
authors.initials: Mv
authors.lastname: Altena
authors.affiliation: Victorian Transcultural Mental Health, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tuck
authors.affiliation: Northern Nexus, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hynan
authors.affiliation: Elite Enterprises Group Pty Ltd., Preston, VIC 3072, Australia.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tohow
authors.affiliation: St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: Prem
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Castle
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D044383:Black People; D029754:Catha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008409:Mastication; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology