scholarly journals Areca nut and betel quid chewing among South Asian immigrants to Western countries and its implications for oral cancer screening

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Auluck ◽  
Gregory Hislop ◽  
Catherine Poh ◽  
Lewei Zhang ◽  
Miriam Rosin
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 49s-49s
Author(s):  
Y.-T. Huang ◽  
Y.-W. Wang ◽  
R.-C. Chen ◽  
C.-Y. Wu ◽  
Y.-H. Yang

Background: Oral cancer is a major public health burden in Taiwan. Studies have suggested that habits of betel quid chewing, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking as well as their interaction effects are important risk factors for oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A population-based oral cancer screening program has been implemented by Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan. People with betel quid chewing and/or cigarette smoking habits are recommended for biennially screening. Previous studies found that majority of betel quid chewers were in labor intensive occupations. Given the fact that high risk groups of oral cancer are often reluctant to attend screening, targeted approach should be applied to improve the effectiveness of screening program. Aim: The aims of this study are to identify occupations with high prevalence of betel-quid chewing and also to investigate changing trends using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database. Methods: The NHIS database of 2009 and 2013 were used to conduct this study. We identified current users of betel quid and/or cigarette from adults with aged 20-64 years old and working on jobs. Occupations were classified using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88). Statistical analyses included indirect standardized rate ratios and cluster analysis of chewing/smoking habits. Results: From the total survey participants (2009: 19,201, 2013: 17,249), we extracted 11,507 and 10,760 persons for the study. In the year of 2013, using the 2-digit code of ISCO-88, drivers and mobile-plant operators (code 83 in ISCO-88) had the highest prevalence of betel quid chewing habit (30.9%), followed by extraction and building trades workers (code 71 in ISCO-88, 29.6%). These two groups also had the 2 highest smoking prevalence (61.2% and 62.2%). The betel quid chewing prevalence decreased from 2009 to 2013 slightly (32.3%-30.9%). However, the prevalence of smoking increased (60.0%-62.2%). Among the betel quid chewers of the two focused occupations, the corresponding rates of receiving oral cancer screening were rather low (35.47% and 21.52%). The indirect standardized ratios using the total sample as the reference showed 6 occupations (2 digit of ISCO-88) with significantly higher ratios (larger than 2). Cluster analysis demonstrated that the group with high prevalence of betel quid chewing also had high prevalence of cigarette smoking habit. Conclusion: The betel quid chewing prevalence has been decreased in all occupations. While at the same time, prevalence of cigarette smoking did not largely decrease. We analyzed the NHIS databases and found that workers in some occupations tend to have higher prevalence in both betel quid chewing and smoking. The oral cancer screening and cancer awareness need be targeted on certain occupations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Saraswat ◽  
Rona Pillay ◽  
Bronwyn Everett ◽  
Ajesh George

Abstract Background Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. Methods Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. Results A total of 14 studies involving 4224 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994-2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer knowledge (50%-76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/guthka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/guthka chewing habit good for their health (12%-43.6%). Conclusion This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Saraswat ◽  
Rona Pillay ◽  
Bronwyn Everett ◽  
Ajesh George

Abstract Background Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. Methods Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. Results A total of 14 studies involving 4224 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994-2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer knowledge (50%-76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/guthka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/guthka chewing habit good for their health (12%-43.6%). Conclusion This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally-appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-605
Author(s):  
Nidhi Saraswat ◽  
Bronwyn Everett ◽  
Rona Pillay ◽  
Neeta Prabhu ◽  
Ajesh George

Abstract Background Oral cancer is a public health concern and is widespread in developing countries, particularly in South Asia. However, oral cancer cases are also rising in developed nations due to various factors, including smoking, viruses and increased migration from South Asia. In this context, the role of general medical practitioners (GPs) in identifying oral cancer is becoming increasingly important and, while some studies have explored their perspective about oral cancer, a synthesis of these results has not been undertaken. Objective The objective of this integrative review is to synthesize existing evidence regarding oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in developed countries. Methods Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies focussing on the objective of this review. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed English language publications; studies conducted in developed countries involving GPs; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge/attitudes/practices). No restrictions were placed on the publication date. Results A total of 21 studies involving 3409 GPs were reviewed. Most studies revealed limited knowledge of GPs about emerging risk factors, such as betel nut chewing (0.8–50%). Significant variation (7–70%) was evident in routine oral examination practices of GPs. Most GPs felt unsure about diagnosing oral cancer and many (38–94%) raised the need for further education. No study explored the specific relevance of GPs’ practices concerning South Asian immigrants. Conclusion This review suggests the need for educational programs to enhance GPs’ knowledge regarding oral cancer. Further research exploring oral cancer-related practices of GPs caring for South Asian immigrants is warranted.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Crawford ◽  
Farah Ahmad ◽  
Dorcas Beaton ◽  
Arlene S. Bierman

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