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Using the Severity of Dependence Scale to screen for DSM-5 khat use disorder

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 16:41 authored by Duresso, SW, Allison MatthewsAllison Matthews, Stuart FergusonStuart Ferguson, Raimondo BrunoRaimondo Bruno

Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) as a screening tool for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition‐defined khat use disorder.

Methods: Cross‐sectional, purposive sample of past‐year khat consumers aged 16 and above were recruited from khat markets and cafes from university and general community in Adama, Ethiopia. Participants self‐completed a survey comprising current substance use disorder.

Results: The SDS formed a unifactorial structure, consistent with the dependence construct. Almost three quarters (73%) of the sample were identified as experiencing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition khat use disorder. The SDS demonstrated excellent discrimination (area under the curve = 0.92) and an optimal cut‐off as a score of 3 or greater, with sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 96%. This classification validly identified a group with more frequent and higher dose khat use than participants that did not screen positive.

Conclusion: Although khat is a mild stimulant, there is clear evidence that some consumers are both concerned with their use and experience problems associated with their use. Consistent with its application for other drugs, the SDS is a brief and simple screening tool that appears to validly identify individuals experiencing a khat use disorder syndrome and experiencing high rates of adverse consequences in association with use.

History

Publication title

Human Psychopharmacology

Volume

33

Article number

e2653

Number

e2653

Pagination

1-9

ISSN

0885-6222

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Place of publication

The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, England, W Sussex, Po19 8Sq

Rights statement

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified

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