Khat chewing predisposed to common mental disorders, while physical activity was protective: a binary logistic regression analysis, Somaliland, 2023

Abstract

Abstract Common mental disorder (CMD) is one of the leading causes of disability. However, its prevalence and determinants are not well known in Somaliland. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of CMD and its associated factors among adult residents of Hargeisa, Somaliland. Data was collected from 398 adult residents of Hargeisa via digital interview-administered, adapted questionnaires during August 2023. Multi-stage sampling was used to draw study respondents. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to screen CMD. Binary logistic regression was conducted, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD) was 47.5% (95% CI: 42.5–52.5), which was significantly higher among men (51.5%; 95% CI: 46.0–57.1) than women (29.2%; 95% CI: 19.0–41.1) (χ2 = 11.83, p = 0.001). People who chewed khat were 2.3 times more likely to have CMD than those who did not (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.16–4.50; p = 0.017); however, physical exercise was a significant protective factor for CMD development (OR = 0.43; 95% CI =0.22–0.82, p < 0.05). In conclusion, CMD was highly prevalent in Hargeisa. Chewing khat was linked to a higher incidence of CMD, although physical activity provided protection against it. Hence, regular screening and appropriate community-based intervention of CMD is essential. Besides, government initiatives should establish drug rehab centres to treat khat abuse and addiction.