Aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of areca use among schizophrenia patients and general population of a south Indian rural community and to study the correlates of areca use among patients. A cohort of 300 schizophrenia patients, who are being followed up as a part of a community intervention program, formed the study group. The control group (n=382) was selected randomly from the general population of this region. Both were interviewed regarding the sociodemographic details, use of areca nut, alcohol and tobacco. Among patients, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Simpson's Angus Scale (SAS) and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) were applied. Use of antipsychotic and anticholinergic medications was also noted. These clinical correlates were compared between users and non-users. The prevalence of areca use among schizophrenia patients was significantly higher when compared to the general population (39.0% vs 14.4%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in positive symptoms, negative symptoms, extrapyramidal symptoms, antipsychotic and anticholinergic drug dosage between areca chewers and non-chewers. Areca use is significantly higher among schizophrenia patients of this rural area when compared to that among the general population. Considering the health hazards that areca abuse may lead to, this issue needs attention.
Keywords: Areca nut/Betel nut; General population; Prevalence; Rural south India; Schizophrenia.
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