Reasons for betel quid chewing amongst dependent and non-dependent betel quid chewing adolescents: a school-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundBetel quid (BQ) chewing in children is initiated in their adolescence. It is pivotal to understand adolescents’ reasons behind chewing BQ. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the reasons for BQ chewing amongst adolescents using reasons for betel quid chewing scale (RBCS) and their associated dependency on it.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional school based survey. Out of 2200 adolescents from 26 schools of Karachi, 874 BQ chewers were assessed for their reasons of BQ chewing and dependency on it. Regression analyses were employed to report crude and adjusted (after adjusting for all reasons of BQ chewing) effect sizes with 95% confidence interval and P-value was set significant at < 0.05.ResultsStudents who believed that BQ chewing relaxes them (stimulation construct) were twice as likely to be dependent on BQ (OR = 2.36, 95% CI (1.20–4.65) as compared with others. Participants who thought it eases their decision making (stimulation construct), were sizably more likely to be dependent on BQ (OR = 9.65, 95% CI (4.15–22.43) than those who did not consider ease in decision making important. Adolescents who considered not chewing as rude (social/cultural construct), were thrice more likely to be dependent on BQ (OR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.11–5.63) than others.ConclusionsStimulation remained fundamental chewing reason followed by social/cultural trigger amongst adolescents. Any future intervention may get favorable results if it addresses ways to overcome stimulation and social/cultural barriers that are strongly associated with BQ chewing and dependency.

Evaluation of the inhalation toxicity of arecoline benzoate aerosol in rats

“…Chewing betel nuts, which are the seeds of the A. catechu tree, is still popular in these areas (Peng et al, 2015). Following tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, betel nut is now considered the fourth most commonly consumed psychoactive substance, affecting over 600 million people worldwide (Hussain et al, 2018; Warnakulasuriya & Peters, 2002). Jahns was the first to isolate the active alkaloid arecoline (methyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydro‐1‐methyl‐nicotinate) from betel nut (Jahns, 1888).…”

Prevention of initiation of smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption among rural children

“…(12,13)Similar factors have been reported by studies conducted in India and other South-East Asian countries. (14,15) Peer Pressure, curiosity, family use, ease of access and affordability were some of the reported influencing factors.…”

Assessment of areca nut use, practice and dependency among people in Guwahati, Assam: a cross-sectional study

“…Almost 82% of users revealed areca nut chewing was practised by their family members. In a cross-sectional school-based survey of 2,200 adolescents from 26 schools in Karachi, Pakistan, participants considered it to be rude not to chew if their friends or family members were chewing betel quid [ 3 ]. This supports the fact that areca nut chewing is often influenced by someone in the family or in peer group.…”

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