Kava drinking in Vanuatu--a hospital based survey.

Kava is an intoxicating non-fermented beverage native to the Pacific Islands. In Vanuatu men traditionally drank kava on ceremonial occasions. Now however men and women drink kava on a casual basis. To assess the kava-drinking habits of current-day ni-Vanuatu, 150 people were surveyed at Vila Central Hospital, (50 medical and 50 surgical patients plus 50 staff). 35% of those surveyed drank kava, (9% daily). 59% of men and 15% of women drank kava (approximately 4:1). 51% of all men drank kava at least weekly, compared to 11% of women. For any given kava-drinking episode men drank more than women, (4.3 +/- 2 vs 3.3 +/- 1.3 shells). There was no significant difference in age between drinkers and non-drinkers or in usage rates between patient groups or staff. Women attaining higher levels of education and women resident on Vanuatu's main island were more likely to drink kava. Of the women surveyed who were resident on outer islands none drank kava. This study reveals that the consumption of fresh kava on a regular basis is very common in Vanuatu. If this is the case it also suggests that whilst much is written about the dermopathy, weight loss and, more recently, possible liver disease associated with kava use that these and other health problems are of doubtful significance. This is also supported by field experience.