Adapting a Betel Quid Cessation Program for a High-risk Community in Malaysia and Evaluating Its Effectiveness

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA · Mar 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on helping people in Malaysia who chew betel quid, which is a practice linked to serious health issues like oral cancer. The study aims to adapt a successful program for quitting betel quid chewing, particularly targeting high-risk communities where this habit is common. Researchers believe that by providing support and resources, they can help more people stop chewing than those who do not receive the program.

To participate in the study, you need to be at least 18 years old, a regular betel quid chewer for the past six months, and able to understand Bahasa Melayu or the local Bajau language. You'll be living in Kota Belud, Sabah, where the study is taking place. Participants will attend five sessions over about three weeks and provide saliva samples to help measure the program's effectiveness. It's important to note that this trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it represents a significant step toward addressing the health challenges faced by betel quid users in Malaysia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. A self-reported betel quid chewer who has been practising chewing habit for the past 6 months with atleast 2-3 chewing episodes per week. The ingredient of betel quid must include areca nut without or without smokeless tobacco.
• • 2. Other optional ingredients such as inclusion of slaked lime and betel leaf in the betel quid are allowed.
• • 3. Age of participant must be 18 years old and above
• • 4. Participants must be residing in study location (Kota Belud, Sabah)
• • 5. Ability to comprehend, converse and read in Bahasa Melayu and their local language (Bajau)
• • 6. Participants who are able to provide written consent and agree to comply with all protocol-specified procedures such as providing saliva samples, participating in five 1-2 hours sessions of intervention over 22 days and agree to attend follow-up session on the third month
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Non-Malaysian citizen
• • 2. Participants who are not willing to quit the betel quid chewing habit at the time of the study
• • 3. Women chewers who are pregnant or nursing at the time of study
• • 4. Individuals with psychiatric illness or special social situations that would limit their compliance with study requirements