Abstract
Objective: To explore the hazards of Mainpuri Chewing (MC) in our area.
Methodology: 114, Mainpuri chewers and 119 matched non chewers, aged 15 to 45 years, residing at Hyderabad and adjoining areas were randomly selected and interviewed through a standard questionnaire developed for that purpose during July 2012 to June 2013. Hazards of MC between chewers and non-chewers were estimated by odds ratio and 95% C.I.
Results: We found 49% teen-agers and students of 15-30 age group were involved in MC, due to illiteracy (OR=4.096, p=0.001). We also found some pre cancerous lesions in their mouths. Swallowing (54%) and difficulty in opening mouth due to oral fibrosis (77%) were seen in chewers. GIT problems (OR=9.83, p=0.0001), high blood pressures (OR=6.912, p=0.0001) and migrains (67%) had significantly positive association with MC. Physically active life style was found to be negatively associated (OR=0.405, p=0.136) with MC. There was no association of smoking (OR=1.099, p=0.83) with MC.
Conclusion: MC is very much hazardous for health and we should take some important steps to prevent the population from this poison. We need to design such programs in which chewers should be educated and are made aware about the hazards of MC. (Rawal Med J 2014;39: ).

Key words: Mainpuri, betel nut, chewing tobacco, betel quid, hazards, paanmasala.