Prevalence and correlates of areca nut use among psychiatric patients in India

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and identify the correlates of areca nut use among men and women being treated for a major psychiatric disorder in India. Methods: Inpatients (N = 988) admitted to the adult psychiatry department of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in India were interviewed regarding their use of the areca nut, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Medical records were reviewed to obtain psychiatric diagnosis and history. Results: About 24% of the sample reported recent areca nut use, and 10% reported severe use suggesting dependence. Common reasons for use include to improve mood (31% of users), socialization (31%), digestion (22%), or performance (7%) and to decrease aches and pains (6%). Predictors of current areca nut use included less education, diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and current tobacco use. Predictors of severe use were older age, female gender, less education, and current tobacco use. Conclusion: Areca nut use occurs commonly among Indian psychiatric patients, and deserves further investigation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.