Khat use in Somali, Ethiopian and Yemeni communities in England: issues and solutions

Aims

This report was commissioned by the Drugs Strategy Directorate of the Home Office to explore khat use and treatment issues in England, to identify the adequacy of current drug service provision and to make good practice recommendations.

Methodology

The research, carried out between January and March 2004, included 45 interviews with Somalis, Ethiopians and Yemenis in six locations [including Sheffield], 11 focus groups, and three discussion groups with professionals working in drug and related services.

Key issues

The report [in English and Somali] discusses the findings from interviews and focus groups on patterns and trends in use; khat use and gender; and attitudes to khat. Khat use is identified as interacting with other problems including unemployment, family and community breakdown, social and service exclusion and trauma. The research also provides experiences of health and drug services and perspectives on service delivery and good practice.

Recommendations

Recommendations are offered for community-based solutions that address communication, education and harm reduction, counselling and support and reducing supply. Mainstream service solutions identified include offering culturally competent services, effective intervention models, and research and needs assessment.