Betel nut chewing during pregnancy, Madang province, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Papua New Guinea, betel nut chewing is very common in the general population and in pregnant women. It has similarities in terms of use and complications of use to chewing tobacco (=smokeless tobacco), as its active agent, arecoline is similar to nicotine. The present study investigates the habits of betel nut chewing and possible impact on pregnancy. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey 310 pregnant women attending Alexishafen Health Centre (Madang Province) were interviewed with a survey measuring: detailed demographic data, betel nut chewing habits, other potential addictions (smoking, alcohol and drug use) and a medical examination (weight, height, blood pressure and hem..