Objective: Betel quid chewing (BQC) is an important oral cancer risk factor widespread in the Indian subcontinent. This usage also is common among migrants from this region. As the number of immigrants from South-East Asia is dramatically increasing in Italy, this survey was aimed at investigating BQC prevalence among immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. Subjects and Methods: First-generation adult male immigrants coming from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, living in Rome, were consecutively selected. They were interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed, and factors associated to regular BQC were investigated through regression analysis. Results: A total of 211 subjects (mean age, 33.8 years) living in Rome for 11 years, on average, participated in the study. BQC prevalence was 37.9% with few differences between Pakistani, Sri Lankans, and Indians. Prevalence among Bangladeshi was 7.3%. 69% of the consumers chewed BQ at least twice daily, 90% chewed BQ with tobacco; 30.3% subjects were smokers and chewers. Chewing parents, smoking, health illiteracy were associated with BQC. Most chewers believed that BQ helps to relieve stress. Conclusions: The number of oral cancers in Italy is expected to increase because of BQC dissemination. Therefore, specific awareness campaigns directed to residents of South-East Asian origin are needed. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved

Lifestyle Migrant population oral cancer betel quid

Pakistan immigrant tobacco use drinking behavior India Rome human middle aged statistics and numerical data priority journal Substance-Related Disorders drug dependence ethnology consumer Sri Lanka Young Adult Humans Areca migrant smoking tobacco consumption male Emigrants and Immigrants betel quid Mastication History, 21st Century questionnaire prevalence Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article history major clinical study adult mouth cancer Italy Bangladesh health literacy attitude to health