Is khat-chewing associated with HIV risk behaviour? A community-based study from Ethiopia.

This study examines the possible association between the stimulant khat and risky sexual behaviour that might aggravate the spread of HIV. A community-based cross-sectional survey involving 4 000 individuals and focus group discussions were conducted to assess the attitudes and perceptions of an Ethiopian population towards the habit of khat-chewing and its possible association with risky sexual behaviour. All participants in the focus group discussions and 38% of the survey respondents were of the opinion that behaviours associated with the mild narcotic effects of khat are conducive to casual sex, and hence constitute an increased risk for contracting and spreading HIV.

Higher prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative inhabitants of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Serum samples (n = 4,593) collected in 1994 as part of a representative household community survey of the population of Addis Ababa who were 0-49 years old were tested for hepatitis C (HCV) antibodies. A third generation ELISA was used for primary screening and a line immunoblot assay for confirmation. HCV antibody prevalence was 0.