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23-01-2023 | Premature Rupture of Membranes | Review Article

The effects of khat use during pregnancy on perinatal and maternal outcomes: a meta-analysis

Authors: Yimenu Yitayih, Wouter Vanderplasschen, Sarah Vandewalle, Van Damme Rita, Lemmens Gilbert

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Chewing khat during pregnancy adversely affects maternal and fetal health, but available studies are scarce and inconsistent, and it is difficult to conclude the relationship between khat consumption and perinatal outcomes. We aimed to investigate the available studies on the effect of khat use during pregnancy on perinatal and maternal outcomes. For this meta-analysis, we conducted a thorough search of articles published in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to the date this search was undertaken (03.01.2022). We used random effect model with the Mantel–Haenszel method to calculate the pooled odds ratio and mean difference. We found that khat use during pregnancy was significantly associated with increased odds of low birth weight (OR:2.51; 95% CI: 1.60 to 3.94), congenital anomalies (OR:3.17; 95% CI: 1.30 to 7.73), premature rupture of membrane (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.50), perinatal mortality (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.03), and lower APGAR scores at the fifth minute (MD: −1.7; 95% CI: −2.32 to −1.07). Also, increased odds for developing maternal psychological stress and anemia were reported in women using khat during pregnancy. There were no statistically significant differences in stillbirth and preterm birth between women using khat during pregnancy and their counterparts. Since prenatal khat use is associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes, we strongly recommend equitable and easily accessible health services through the implementation of integrated addiction treatment with maternity services to address khat use during pregnancy and encourage the practice of healthy behavior of women.

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Title: The effects of khat use during pregnancy on perinatal and maternal outcomes: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yimenu Yitayih
Wouter Vanderplasschen
Sarah Vandewalle
Van Damme Rita
Lemmens Gilbert
Publication date: 23-01-2023
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Keyword: Premature Rupture of Membranes
Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-023-01293-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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The effects of khat use during pregnancy on perinatal and maternal outcomes: a meta-analysis

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Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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