Betel quid chewing and its prevalence and determinants: data from Myanmar Demographic Health and Survey of 2015-2016

Background Although betel quid chewing with tobacco use is one of the major behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases, the prevalence is rather on the increase in Myanmar. This study determined prevalence of betel quid chewing at the national and subnational levels and its associations with tobacco and sociodemographic factors. Methods This study is a secondary data analysis of Myanmar demographic health survey 2015-2016 with a total of 11 773 women and 4251 men aged 18-49 years. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression tests were performed. Results Prevalence of betel quid chewing was 61.8% in men and 19.5% in women and by regions it ranged from 34 to 82.2% and from 5-8 to 52.9%, respectively. The prevalence of the concurrent use with tobacco was 25.8 and 2.3%, respectively. Women with older age, low education and low wealth and occupation and living with spouse were associated with betel quid chewing, while low education, living with spouse and Myanmar speaker were associated with men. Tobacco use was inversely and positively associated with betel quid chewing in men and women, respectively (P-interaction <0.0001). Conclusion Implementation of culturally sensitive intervention and policies including effective community awareness campaigns for anti-betel quid chewing is strongly recommended in Myanmar.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of betel quid chewing at national and subnational levels in Myanmar and analyze its associations with tobacco and sociodemographic factors. The study found that the prevalence of betel quid chewing was higher in men and was associated with factors such as age, education, poverty, and living with a spouse. In women, the prevalence was lower and associated with education, living with a spouse, and speaking Myanmar. Tobacco use showed an inverse and positive association with betel quid chewing in men and women, respectively.