Effects of DSM-5 Betel-Quid-Related Symptoms, Pathological Behaviors, and Use Disorder on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk

Simple Summary This is the first study using psychometrics to investigate the association of the DSM-5 betel-quid (BQ)-related symptoms, pathological behaviors, and BQ use disorder (BUD) severity with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study presents data demonstrating that the symptoms of unsuccessful cutdown of BQ consumption, neglecting major roles, social or interpersonal problems, abandoning or limiting activities, hazardous use, and continued use despite awareness of the dangers were associated with the risk of OSCC. Pathological behavior of risky BQ use enhanced OSCC risk in chewers with moderate-to-severe BUD. BQ chewing is a major risk factor for oral cavity cancers; however, the risk can be mitigated by reducing pathological use. Our study indicates that targeting BUD and establishing a BUD-based strategy is a promising new direction for the prevention of OSCC. The neuroactive alkaloids in betel quid (BQ) can induce BQ addiction. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the effects of BQ-associated DSM-5 symptoms, pathological behaviors, and BQ use disorder (BUD) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) risk. A total of 233 patients with newly diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed OSCC and 301 sex- and age-matched controls were included. BQ-related DSM-5 symptoms in the 12 months prior to disease onset were used to measure psychiatric characteristics and BUD. Compared with nonchewers, chewers with the symptoms of unsuccessful cutdown of BQ consumption, neglecting major roles, social or interpersonal problems, abandoning or limiting activities, hazardous use, and continued use despite the awareness of the dangers had a 54.8-, 49.3-, 49.9-, 40.4-, 86.2-, and 42.9-fold higher risk of developing OSCC, respectively. Mild-to-moderate and severe BUD were, respectively, associated with a 8.2-8.5- and 42.3-fold higher OSCC risk, compared with BQ nonuse. Risky BQ use of pathological behavior was associated with a 12.5-fold higher OSCC risk in chewers with no BUD or mild BUD and a 65.0-fold higher risk in chewers with moderate-to-severe BUD (p for risk heterogeneity between the two BUD groups, 0.041). In conclusion, BQ-associated DSM-5 symptoms, pathological behaviors, and BUD severity are associated with the impact of BQ chewing on OSCC development. The pathological behavior of risky BQ use enhances OSCC risk in chewers with moderate-to-severe BUD. Preventing BUD in new BQ users and treating BUD in chewers who already have the disorder are two priorities in areas where BQ chewing is prevalent.

Automated summary

This study investigates the association between DSM-5 betel-quid-related symptoms, pathological behaviors, and BQ use disorder (BUD) severity with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study shows that certain symptoms and behaviors are associated with an increased risk of OSCC, and that reducing pathological use can mitigate this risk. Establishing a BUD-based strategy may be promising for preventing OSCC.