青少年與檳榔

Adolescents and Betel Nuts

檳榔致口腔癌，為我國青壯年男性癌症發生率的第1名。民國2015到2017年間仍有數個縣市有國、高中生嚼檳率持續上升。此文目的在討論12至18歲青少年嚼檳榔現狀，分析原因及政策因應方向，希望及早扼止青少年嚼檳率上升趨勢。國內學者認為宮廟文化或職場工讀可能暴露於檳榔，因難以拒絕、好奇或缺乏檳榔的健康危害認知而開始食用。亦有吸菸者進階使用檳榔。我們發現青少年對檳榔正確認知率上升、想停止嚼檳榔原因以影響健康最多。政策上可以強調無檳職場及校內菸檳衛教。有食用者除了協助其戒除，亦應定期做口腔黏膜篩檢。

Betel nut chewing causes oral cancer, the leading cancer in adult men in Taiwan. From 2015 to 2017, betel nut chewing rate among adolescents aged from 12 to 18, rose consecutively in several counties and cities in Taiwan. This article discusses the current situation surrounding the chewing of betel nuts among adolescents, analyzes the reasons for the use of this substance and reviews the policies regarding its use with the aim, halting the rising trend in its use. Specialists suggest that adolescents may be exposed to betel nuts when participating in Taoism-related events or when working part-time in some workplaces. They may begin to use betel nuts because they are offered the substance from someone they find it difficult to refuse, they are curious, or they unaware of its health hazards. Some smokers feel compelled to go on betel nuts use. However, we also found that there was an increase in knowledge about the substance and its hazards among adolescents and an increase in number of adolescents who want to quit for health reason Therefore, health policy makers may want to focus on limiting the use of betel nut in workplaces and promote the inclusion of information regarding betel nut usage and hazards in health education programs in school. The chewers should receive regular oral cancer screening and be provided with assistance when they want to quit.