Recent findings from the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 indicate that kava, locally known as yaqona, continues to have a strong presence in Fijian society, with over half of the population reporting they consumed the beverage in the past month. Specifically, 56.0 percent of respondents acknowledged recent kava consumption, highlighting distinctive patterns based on gender, age, geography, and community type.
The data reveals significant gender disparities with kava usage notably higher among men—71.3 percent of men reported drinking kava compared to 39.5 percent of women. This trend persists across different age groups, with kava consumption among men ranging from 65 to 75 percent, while women’s consumption varied from 20 to 45 percent.
Regionally, the Eastern Division stands out as the area with the most kava drinkers, where approximately 80.1 percent of respondents indicated they had ingested kava in the preceding month. This is followed by the Northern Division at 65.0 percent, the Central Division at 56.0 percent, and the Western Division at 49.9 percent. Additionally, the survey highlights a greater incidence of kava consumption in rural communities, where 62.1 percent participate compared to 51.5 percent in urban areas.
While kava serves as a culturally significant drink known for its relaxing properties, the survey raises concerns regarding unhealthy behaviors associated with kava sessions. Among kava drinkers, 51.2 percent reported smoking or using smokeless tobacco during or shortly after these gatherings, and a significant 58.0 percent consumed salty or sweet snacks. These habits are particularly pronounced in younger adults aged 18 to 29, where 60.4 percent engaged in tobacco use and 69.6 percent indulged in snacks during kava sessions. In contrast, only about 33 percent of those aged 60 to 69 reported similar behaviors.
Interestingly, the trends reflect that men were more inclined to use tobacco while drinking kava, whereas women exhibited a tendency to snack during these social occasions. These findings underscore the importance of addressing lifestyle choices connected with kava consumption, particularly among younger demographics, to foster healthier traditions in Fiji’s vibrant cultural landscape.
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