Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practices of betelnut users in two socio-economic areas of Karachi

Objective: To gain an insight on the knowledge, attitude and practices of those who chew betel nut in two different socioeconomic regions of Karachi. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Saddar and Defence areas of Karachi over a five-week period in March-April 2012. Individual interviews following verbal consent were conducted using a pre-codedquestionnaire, which was divided into 3 sections to analyse the knowledge, attitude and practices of the chewers. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS v. 16.0. Pearson s chi-square was used as the primary statistical test. Results: A total of 370 subjects, 185 (50%) from each area, comprised the study. Majority of the chewers in Defence had higher educational qualification and income. Most of the participants in both areas acknowledged that betel nut chewing can potentially result in mouth (n=274; 74.1%) and throat cancers (n=267; 72.2%). A large part of the sample (n=299; 80.8%) conceded that betel nut chewing is a bad habit, and almost half the sample was addicted to it (n=194; 52.4%). Conclusion: Awareness regarding the detrimental effects of betel nut was satisfactory amongst the subjects, but the population was not willing to quit the habit. We recommend a two-pronged approach, offering widespread educational and awareness campaigns to prevent increased consumption of betel nuts, and professional counselling services for those already addicted.