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A transcultural pattern of drug use: Qat (khat) in the UK

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Paul Griffiths ,
Michael Gossop ,
Simon Wickenden ,
John Dunworth ,
Ken Harris  and
Charles Lloyd
Paul Griffiths*
Affiliation:
National Addiction Centre, The Maudsley Hospital, London
Michael Gossop
Affiliation:
National Addiction Centre, The Maudsley Hospital, London
Simon Wickenden
Affiliation:
Home Office Drug Prevention Initiative, Horseferry House, Dean Ryle Street, London SWIP 2AN
John Dunworth
Affiliation:
Home Office Drug Prevention Initiative, Horseferry House, Dean Ryle Street, London SWIP 2AN
Ken Harris
Affiliation:
Home Office Drug Prevention Initiative, Horseferry House, Dean Ryle Street, London SWIP 2AN
Charles Lloyd
Affiliation:
Home Office Drug Prevention Initiative, Horseferry House, Dean Ryle Street, London SWIP 2AN
*
P. Griffiths, National Addiction Centre, The Maudsley Hospital, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

This study investigates patterns of qat use among 207 Somalis living in London.

Method

Subjects were recruited using privileged access interviewing. Somalian interviewers were recruited who shared the same culture as the subjects. Data were collected by means of a structured interview.

Results

One hundred and sixty-two subjects (78%) had used qat. The majority (76%) used more qat than in Somalia. Some users reported moderate dependence; a minority reported severe problems. Adverse psychological effects included sleep problems, anxiety and depression. Medical problems associated with qat use were rare.

Conclusions

Qat users who continue to use this drug when it is transplanted from a traditional context may experience difficulties. Qat use can also be seen as playing a positive role in supporting the cultural identity of the Somalian community. Severe problems were rarely reported. Qat consumption should be considered when addressing health-related topics with patients from those communities in which qat use is common.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 3 , March 1997 , pp. 281 - 284
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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