Duration-and frequency-dependent effects of khat chewing on lipid metabolism and kidney function: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract Chewing khat, ‘ Catha edulis’ is becoming more common in our society with increased harmful health repercussions, such as lipid metabolism issues and impaired renal function. There is a scarcity of data and contradictory findings on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to compare renal function tests and lipid profile levels among apparently healthy adult male khat chewers and non-khat chewers, and to assess the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dilla Town using convenient sampling techniques. The levels of lipid and renal function tests were analyzed on apparently healthy adult male khat-chewers ( n = 100) and non-khat chewers ( n = 100) using the Siemens Dimension EXL 200 integrated system. One-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation statistical methods were applied using SPSS Version 27. A P -value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Among khat chewers, the levels of HDL-C (mean ± SD) were significantly lower (34.9 ± 12.5 mg/dl) compared with non-khat chewers (41.3 ± 16.5 mg/dl) ( P = 0.002). Additionally, khat chewers displayed significantly higher levels of TC/HDL ratio (4.1 ± 1.5 vs. 3.4 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) and TG (101.2 ± 42.9 mg/dl vs. 84.1 ± 31.4 mg/dl, P = 0.002) than non-khat chewers. The duration and frequency of khat chewing, amount consumed, and time spent chewing were negatively associated with HDL-C and eGFR, while showing positive associations with creatinine, TG, and the TC/HDL ratio. In contrast, khat chewers who engaged in moderate physical activity had higher HDL-C levels and lower TG and TC/HDL ratios than those with sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, frequent consumption of a fatty diet (≥ 3 days/week) was associated with higher LDL-C, TG, TC, and TC/HDL ratios compared with less frequent intake. khat chewing was associated with lower HDL and higher TG and TC/HDL ratios and may be associated with chewing duration, frequency, bundle of khat, and time spent on chewing. Frequent and long-term khat chewing may contribute to renal impairment. Concerned bodies should create awareness about Khat’s effect and more longitudinal studies should be conducted to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.