ABSTRACT
Background: Despite its ill effects, betel quid chewing is a common practice in the South-East Asia Region. However, so far no large-scale study had been conducted, hence, this study was aimed at estimating the extent of betel quid chewing and its association with socio-demographic factors in Bangladeshi adults. Methods: The data of a cross-sectional sample survey, involving 15 155 and 15 719 adults from rural and urban areas of Bangladesh respectively, were analyzed. Data were collected on betel quid chewing and socio-demographic characteristics by interview method using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were done following standard protocols. Results: Overall 31% of the study samples chewed betel quid regularly. Prevalence was two times higher in rural (43.2%) compared to the urban areas (19.1%). Betel quid use was more common among Hindus (41.4%), farmers (55.3%), and people in the 40-year or more (63.9%) age group; and the habit was less common in unmarried (1.6%) and educated persons (19.6%). Ex-smokers (73.8%) and current smokers (37.3%) were more likely to use betel quid than never smokers (25.6%). The frequency of betel quid chewing was 5.15 times a day which varied significantly with age, locality, religion and occupation. Three-fourths of the betel quid users chewed tobacco with it which was not influenced by socio-economic variables. On average, 2.29 Takas (USD 0.03) was spent a day on betel quid chewing. Conclusions: Betel quid chewing was found to be a common habit in Bangladesh. Mature adults (40+years) of low socio-economic status, i.e., rural residents, farmers and the illiterate are more likely to chew betel quid.