Kava sessions fuel risky habits

Kava drinking sessions in Fiji are often accompanied by tobacco use, unhealthy snacking and prolonged sitting, creating added non-communicable disease (NCD) risks, according to a new health survey.

Head of Wellness Dr Devina Nand highlighted the concerning trends during the launch of the Fiji STEPS Survey Report 2025 today.

“What we’re missing is that while we’re indulging in these risk factors, there is another risk factor linked to kava drinking, and that is sedentary behaviour,” Dr Nand said.

“We’re not really moving. We’re sitting, consuming unhealthy snacks, using tobacco, and surrounding ourselves with both passive and active smokers.”

The survey found that 56 per cent of Fijians had consumed kava in the past 30 days, with significantly higher participation among men at 71.3 per cent compared with 39.5 per cent of women.

Among kava drinkers, 51.2 per cent reported smoking or using smokeless tobacco during or shortly after kava sessions, while 58 per cent ate snacks, either salty or sweet.

Dr Nand said women showed disproportionately higher rates of unhealthy snacking during kava sessions compared with men.

Regionally, the Eastern Division recorded the highest kava consumption at 80.1 per cent, followed by the Northern Division at 65 per cent.

Among younger kava drinkers aged 18 to 29, 69.6 per cent reported eating snacks during sessions, compared with 32.3 per cent among those aged 60 to 69.