Betel Nut Use: The South Asian Story

Abstract

Background: Few traditions in South Asia have the antiquity and universal acceptance of betel quid and areca nut chewing. Its popularity dates back to ancient times in the South-Asian community with a foundation based on four factors, i.e. social acceptability, religious beliefs, perceived health benefits and addiction. We aim to provide an overview of its use in the South Asian region. Methods: We performed an electronic search on Medline, Embase and Google Scholar to identify the origins of the various betel quid and areca nut practices pertaining to the South Asian region along with their social and cultural influences. We also studied the prevalence across the region and the health effects, especially carcinogenic, along with the impact of diverse immigration today. Results: Other than the debate of where it originates, there is a diverse plethora of terms and methods of use of areca nut and betel quid in the region. Although established as a known carcinogen, the incidence is high, especially in the Indian subcontinent, with very few studies focusing on its use alone (without tobacco). The effect of globalization and increased movement of Asians across borders is resulting in changes in the patterns of diseases as well due to wider dissemination of areca nut and betel quid use. Conclusions: There is a huge loss of lives due to the addiction that areca nut causes. Governments need to tightly regulate the laws and set up tailored programs to tackle this specific issue in this region.

Keywords: Areca nut; South Asia; South East Asia; betel quid.