Background. Betel quid chewing, often combined with tobacco
chewing, is a common habit in the Indian subcontinent. It is
associated with the development of malignancy of the oral
mucosa and foregut. Among Asian communities in the United
Kingdom (UK), Bangladeshis are particularly likely to retain this
habit.
Aim. To investigate the prevalence of betel quid chewing,
smoking, and knowledge of health hazards associated with
these habits among the Bangladeshi population in an east
London general practice.
Method. A bilingual postal questionnaire to all 306 adults (25
years and over) identified as being of Bangladeshi origin within
one practice in east London.
Results. The questionnaire response rate was 46%. The prevalence
of betel quid chewing was over 80% with no sex difference.
Men were more likely to smoke tobacco than women
(men = 57%, women = 11%, χ2 = 33.3, P < 0.001), but over
half the women added tobacco to their quid for chewing.
Whereas over 80% of both male and female respondents identified
the health risks of smoking, only one third identified oral
cancer as a risk. In all, 25% of respondents started chewing in
the UK.
Conclusions. The low response rate is discussed. The findings
indicate that the majority of Bangladeshi respondents are
unaware of the health risks of a common social habit, although
well informed about smoking risks. A government health warning
should be introduced for betel quid sold in the UK.