Self-Confidence, Not Self-Awareness, Is Negatively Associated With Areca Nut Dependence

Abstract

Areca nut is the fourth most commonly used addictive substance globally. Therefore, this study aimed to examine correlations among areca nut self-awareness, areca nut cessation self-confidence, and areca nut dependence in the Taiwanese population. This was a descriptive study in which 120 areca nut chewers who sought medical attention at a regional hospital and were residents of the Yunlin-Chiayi area, were recruited as study subjects. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, which included demographic data, an areca nut self-awareness scale, an areca nut cessation self-confidence scale, and an areca nut dependence scale. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed that areca nut self-awareness and areca nut cessation self-confidence were not significantly correlated (r = 0.16, p = 0.069). Areca nut self-awareness and areca nut dependence also did not have a significant correlation (r = −0.06, p = 0.511). However, we found that areca nut cessation self-confidence and areca nut dependence were significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.37, p < 0.001), that is, the higher the areca nut cessation self-confidence, the lower the areca nut dependence. In addition, areca nut self-awareness showed significant correlations by age (r = 4.54, p = 0.005), occupation (r = 2.91, p = 0.02), and family support (r = 3.83, p = 0.03). Scheffe's post-hoc test revealed significant differences that subjects whose family members were extremely supportive of areca nut cessation had higher areca nut self-awareness. In conclusion, areca nut cessation self-confidence and areca nut dependence showed a significant negative correlation. Areca nut self-awareness revealed significant correlations by age, occupation, and family support. The results of this study can be used to provide a reference for implementing areca nut cessation policies in the future.

Development and application of mass spectrometric molecular networking for analyzing the ingredients of areca nut

“…11 However, despite the potential health benefits associated with areca nut composition, it has also been linked to various health issues, such as oral cancer, 12 liver cancer, cardiovascular disease, and addiction. 13 Areca nut is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 14 showing its role as a definite cause of human cancer. These health concerns are particularly associated with the alkaloids present in areca nut, 15 making it a double-edged sword.…”