Factors associated with betel quid chewing among adolescents living in Nattalin township, Bago region, Myanmar

Abstract

Background: Betel quid (BQ) chewing is a common practice in Myanmar. BQ chewing is a risk factor for oral health problems and is associated with multi-organs cancer. The earlier age and the larger quantity of BQ per day enhance more health risks. The main aim of this study was to find out the prevalence and to identify the factors associated with BQ chewing practice among the adolescent population.Methods: Cross-sectional quantitative (primary) study was conducted on 160 adolescents (10-19 years) in Nattalin township in Myanmar using interviewed structured questionnaire. All data analysis was done by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) statistical software.Results: The prevalence of BQ chewing adolescents was 28.2% of the total sample (n=160). The BQ chewer group contained more males than females. The earliest age of starting BQ chewing was 6 years old. Socio-demographic characteristics included age (equal or more than 15 years) (p<0.001), male (p<0.001), rural residence (p=0.009), working group (p<0.001), pocket money of more than 10000 kyats (p<0.001), having BQ used family members (p=0.017) and BQ used close friends (p<0.001) and the negative attitude (p=0.006) toward BQ chewing were the factors significantly associated with BQ chewing practice in this study.Conclusions: In conclusion, more than one-fourth of the studied adolescents chewed BQ and the majority had a good knowledge level. Many more effective anti-BQ chewing interventions and strong behavioural change health promotion programmes emphasizing the dangers of BQ chewing habits for adolescents need to be developed nationwide.