BETELMANIA - BETEL QUID CHEWING BY CAMBODIAN WOMEN IN THE UNITED-STATES AND ITS POTENTIAL HEALTH-EFFECTS

Although an estimated 10% to 25% of the world's population chews betel quid, this practice is virtually unknown in the United States. Health care professionals coming into contact with immigrants and refugees f rom India, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia will increasingly notice thi s habit. Possible hazards associated with the chewing of the various i ngredients of the quid include oral cancer and an addictive potential as strong as for cigarettes. We surveyed a group of Cambodian refugee women who are addicted to betel nut and its associated components. Par ticipant-directed interviews uncovered some of the cultural meanings s urrounding the ritual of preparing and using the betel quid and the ro le of culture in the beliefs and behaviors related to chemical addicti on.