Herzog, T.A.; Wilkens, L.R.; Badowski, G.; Mendez, A.J.P.; Franke, A.A.; Pokhrel, P.; Chennaux, J.S.N.; Tenorio, L.F.; Sotto, P.P.; Kawamoto, C.T.; Paulino, Y.C. The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT)—A Randomized Clinical Trial for Areca Nut and Betel Quid Cessation: Primary Outcomes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 6622.
Herzog, T.A.; Wilkens, L.R.; Badowski, G.; Mendez, A.J.P.; Franke, A.A.; Pokhrel, P.; Chennaux, J.S.N.; Tenorio, L.F.; Sotto, P.P.; Kawamoto, C.T.; Paulino, Y.C. The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT)—A Randomized Clinical Trial for Areca Nut and Betel Quid Cessation: Primary Outcomes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 6622.
Herzog, T.A.; Wilkens, L.R.; Badowski, G.; Mendez, A.J.P.; Franke, A.A.; Pokhrel, P.; Chennaux, J.S.N.; Tenorio, L.F.; Sotto, P.P.; Kawamoto, C.T.; Paulino, Y.C. The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT)—A Randomized Clinical Trial for Areca Nut and Betel Quid Cessation: Primary Outcomes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 6622.
Herzog, T.A.; Wilkens, L.R.; Badowski, G.; Mendez, A.J.P.; Franke, A.A.; Pokhrel, P.; Chennaux, J.S.N.; Tenorio, L.F.; Sotto, P.P.; Kawamoto, C.T.; Paulino, Y.C. The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT)—A Randomized Clinical Trial for Areca Nut and Betel Quid Cessation: Primary Outcomes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 6622.
Abstract
Background: Areca nut and betel quid (ANBQ) chewing is a widespread carcinogenic habit. The BENIT (ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02942745) is the first known randomized trial designed for ANBQ chewers. Methods: We compared intensive behavioral treatment intervention condition (IC) with control condition (CC) in the BENIT and included a 5-stage early stopping rule. We report the primary analysis at stage 3. English literate adults in Guam and Saipan who self-identified as ANBQ chewers with tobacco were enrolled between August 2016 and August 2020. IC participants (n=88) received five in-person sessions over 22 days and a brochure containing quitting advice. CC participants (n=88) received only the brochure. Participants were assessed at baseline and day-22 follow-up. Self-reported chewing status at day-22 was determined by a composite of two survey items with disparate wording and response options for cross-verification. Results: Cessation rates were 38.6% (IC) and 9.1% (CC). Proportional hazards regression revealed a p=0.0058, which met the Stage 3 criteria for significance and an estimated reduction in ANBQ chewing for IC compared to the CC of 71% (95% CI: 41%-88%). Conclusion: Robust self-reported intervention effects at day-22 suggests that intensive cessation programs such as BENIT should be further developed and implemented on a larger scale.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
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