The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT)-A Randomized Clinical Trial for Areca Nut and Betel Quid Cessation: Primary Outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Areca nut and betel quid (ANBQ) chewing is a widespread carcinogenic habit. The BENIT (ClinicalTrials-NCT02942745) is the first known randomized trial designed for ANBQ chewers.

METHODS

We compared the intensive behavioral treatment intervention condition (IC) with the 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 ( = 88) received five in-person sessions over 22 days and a brochure containing quitting advice. CC participants ( = 88) received only the brochure. Participants were assessed at baseline and on day 22 of 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 = 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%).

CONCLUSIONS

Robust self-reported intervention effects at day 22 suggest that intensive cessation programs such as BENIT should be further developed and implemented on a larger scale.