Sociocultural aspects of areca nut use

Williams, Sonia; Malik, Abdul; Chowdhury, Sharmin; Chauhan, Shivani

doi:10.1080/135562101200100147

Cited by 57 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Similar to research conducted in other ethnic enclaves, we found that the use was common even among individuals born outside of South Asia 34. Our results parallel prior studies outside of the USA finding incomplete or inaccurate knowledge of health risks and perception of benefits attributable to product use 17 27 35. For instance, South Asians in England, who have high rates of culturally specific tobacco use, generally have low levels of knowledge regarding the health risks imparted by these products 34.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

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Social and cultural influences on tobacco-related health disparities among South Asians in the USA

et al. 2011

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OBJECTIVE To explore and understand key cultural contexts of tobacco use among South Asian communities in the United States. DESIGN Focus groups, with homogenous compositions of gender, generational status, and length of time in the United States, were conducted in two distinct South Asian ethnic enclaves. Focus group findings were triangulated with observational data regarding availability of culturally-specific tobacco from commercial ethnic outlets and cultural events. SUBJECTS Respondents included 88 men and women of South Asian descent, aged 18 to 65 years, immigrant and native born, representing diversity of religion, socioeconomic status, and region of origin, with use of at least one culturally-specific tobacco product in previous 24 months. RESULTS A large number of culturally-specific products are commonly used by community members. Knowledge of product-specific health risks was lacking or inaccurate. Many culturally-specific tobacco products were considered to have beneficial properties. South Asian tobacco items were used to preserve cultural traditions and express ethnic identity in a new dominant culture. The social and cultural value ascribed to use helped distinguish community members from mainstream society and from other minority populations. CONCLUSIONS Many cultural factors govern tobacco use among diverse global populations. Especially for migrants with a common regional origin, the role of ethnic identity may strongly influence culturally-specific tobacco patterns. Qualitative inquiry helps elucidate such culturally-framed behaviors in culturally-diverse populations. These cultural contexts should be integrated into research and practice. Understanding multidimensional factors influencing non-traditional tobacco use is key to ensuring that comprehensive tobacco control strategies address tobacco-related disparities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…Few surveys assess variables such as perceived health benefits of tobacco use, a common belief among this community 17. For example, oral and digestive health benefits are ascribed to areca nut, an ingredient often added to smokeless tobacco preparations; these health beliefs originate from many South Asian religions 26 27…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social and cultural influences on tobacco-related health disparities among South Asians in the USA

et al. 2011

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“…For an example, there was no difference found between the chewing habits of fi rst-and second-generation Bangladeshi migrations in the United Kingdom. [1,7] Strategies to prevent and control BN consumption are needed in order to prevent adverse health outcomes. An effective health promotion policy aimed at reducing the use of betel quid may reduce its use.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Almost 15% of the world's population (600 million people) currently has BN chewing habits. [1,2] Betel nut use is popular in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Taiwan, and few islands in the South Pacifi c. It is also popular in many areas of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Vietnam Cambodia, Laos, and among migrant populations from these countries residing around the world. Betel nut is an important agricultural product in these countries.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[4,6] The reported prevalence of betel quid chewing varies across Asian countries: India (Mumbai) -34.5% among men, 27.2% among women; Thailand -16% men, 19% women; Taiwan -28.2% men, 1.4% women; [4] and Cambodia -6.8% men, 40.6% women. [1,2] The prevalence is also very high among many migrant populations living in the United Kingdom. The major migrant communities include those originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India (mainly Gujarat).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Association between betel nut consumption and folate deficiency among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh

Kader¹

2013

Int J Med Public Health

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Background: Betel nut (BN) or areca nut (AN) chewing habits on its own or with other ingredients including chewing tobacco are highly prevalent in many South East Asian countries as well as among the migrants from these countries residing around the world. The major alkaloid arecoline in the BN has been found to carcinogenic and to be associated with a range of health risks, including negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy imposes stress on folate stores because of increased requirements for growth of maternal tissues, fetus, and placenta. Folate defi ciency during pregnancy is a major public health concern as is associated with many adverse health outcomes including neural tube defects, low birth weight, preterm birth, and delayed maturation of the nervous system, growth retardation, and megaloblastic anemia. Objective: To investigate any association between BN consumption and folate status among pregn ant women in rural Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Data of 730 pregnant women aged 14-50 years from the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Intervention in Matlab (MINIMat) trial in Bangladesh were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis and analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. Results were adjusted for potential confounders. Results and Interpretation: Two-third (63%) of the women consumed BN and 17% had folate defi ciency. The women who consumed BN combined with chewing tobacco were 2.57 times more likely to have folate defi ciency (OR2.57; 95% CI1.23-5.36; P0.012;) and the women who consumed BN 2-3 times/day were 2.51 times more likely to develop folate defi ciency among users (OR 2.51; 95% CI1.07-5.92; P0.035). Mean serum folate levels were signifi cantly lower among BN users as compared to nonusers. Conclusion: The results suggest that betel nut consumption combined with chewing tobacco is associated with lower serum folate level and folate defi ciency among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. Strategies are needed for prevention and control of betel nut consumption in order to prevent adverse health outcomes. Key words: Betel nut, chewing tobacco, folate defi ciency, pregnant women INTRODUCTIONBetel nut (BN) or areca nut (AN) is the seed of the areca palm (Areca catechu), which grows on the Indian subcontinent and in South East Asia. Betel nut is mainly consumed by chewing on its own or in combination with a range of other ingredients. Betel nut consumption is a popular social habit and a ritual. Almost 15% of the world's population (600 million people) currently has BN chewing habits. [1,2] Betel nut use is popular in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Taiwan, and few islands in the South Pacifi c. It is also popular in many areas of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Vietnam Cambodia, Laos, and among migrant populations from these countries residing around the world. Betel nut is an important agricultural product in these countries. [2,3] Betel nut is sold or consumed as a food substance, although its food value is uncertain. Ripe ...

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