Sociodemographic Factors, Attitudes, and Tobacco use among Adolescent Areca-Nut Users in Mumbai, India

Abstract

Introduction: Areca nut, initiated in adolescence, is considered a gateway for tobacco use and an important cause of oral cancers in India. This study examined differences in sociodemographic factors, attitudes and beliefs, and tobacco use between current (last 30 days) areca nut users and past users, who have ever used areca but not in the last 30 days. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey with school students attending grades 7, 8, 9 provided data to compare differences in age, gender, beliefs, attitudes, and concurrent tobacco use among self-reported areca users. Of 1909 participants surveyed, 641 (33.57%) reported use of areca nut; of which 355 (55.38%) current users had consumed it in the last 30 days. Results: A logistic regression model revealed that male gender, using tobacco concurrently, inability to refuse a friend’s request to use, and intention to use areca nuts in the next 12 months were significant predictors of current areca use. Conclusion: More research is needed to understand adolescent areca-nut use, including different types of users such as experimenters and those with established habits. This will help design targeted areca-nut prevention and cessation programs.

Communication and Social Determinants of Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Adolescents From Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…While tobacco is a cultural taboo, supari is considered a relatively harmless or low-risk product. 24 Our survey did not gather alcohol consumption pattern among adolescents, which is also a well-known cancer-causing substance. 13 Future studies should also investigate the factors influencing alcohol consumption in adolescents from low socio-economic backgrounds.…”

“…45 Among both adults and adolescents, males are more likely to consume supari. 24 , 46 These differences are influenced by traditional gender roles, social power dynamics, and various physiological, cultural, and behavioral factors.…”

“… 23 Moreover, the National Family Health Survey from 2019-2021 found that 40% of Indians use tobacco, while approximately a fifth of 15-18-year-olds in India have used supari. 24 , 25…”