Betel Nut Chewing Behavior among the Local Residents of Sylhet Metropolitan City, Bangladesh

Chewing betel nut is regarded as a sociocultural identity in many parts of Bangladesh, including Sylhet. But the habit has negative impacts on human health. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest consequences. Hence, this research aimed to address the betel nut chewing habit in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study objectives were to estimate prevalence, identify the pattern of betel nut chewing, and assess the knowledge of it among local residents of the Sylhet metropolitan area of Bangladesh. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study that involved 330 subjects selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 42.4% of the respondents chewed betel nuts. 51.4% of the respondents chew betel quid (with tobacco additives). The respondents' primary reason for chewing betel nut was their fondness for its taste. About 8.5% were past chewers, and the majority of them discontinued the habit from fear of future illness. Only 33.3% of the total respondents knew that betel nut chewing is harmful to health. Betel nut chewing is a deeply rooted habit bearing potential health risks. The responsible authority should essentially increase awareness against betel nut chewing and tobacco use through health education programs, and strict legislation should be developed to limit the open sale and prohibit betel nuts use to ensure the optimum health of the community.