Betel-quid Use Is Associated with Depression
Perl Han Lee1,2, Jiun-Hung Geng3,4,5,6,7, Szu-Chia Chen8,9,10
1Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
International Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 16, 2025
Summary
Betel-quid use is linked to depression, with a higher risk observed in those who consume 11-30 betel quids daily. This study highlights a potential dose-response relationship between betel-quid consumption and mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Betel-quid consumption is a known risk factor for various cancers and adverse health conditions.
- The specific impact of betel-quid use on the prevalence of depression remains under-investigated.
- Understanding this association is crucial for public health initiatives targeting substance use and mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between betel-quid use and the occurrence of depression.
- To identify if betel-quid consumption is an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms.
- To explore potential dose-response effects in the association between betel-quid use and depression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 43,636 male participants in the Taiwan Biobank.
- Categorization of participants into 'never-user' and 'ever-user' groups based on betel-quid consumption history.
- Logistic regression modeling to assess the association between betel-quid use and self-reported depression history.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between betel-quid use and depression (adjusted odds ratio = 1.265).
- Daily consumption of 11-30 betel quids showed a positive association with depression compared to consuming 10 or fewer.
- No significant association between depression and the consumption of over 30 betel quids daily was observed, suggesting a non-linear relationship.
Conclusions:
- Betel-quid use is significantly associated with an increased likelihood of depression.
- The relationship between the quantity of betel-quid consumed and depression may not be linear.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the link between betel-quid use and mental health.
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