title: The ethics of betel nut consumption in Taiwan.
abstract: The ethics of betel nut use in Taiwan are examined in this article. It first presents scientific facts about the betel quid, its consumption and negative health consequences and then analyses the cultural background and economic factors contributing to its popularity in Asia. Governmental and institutional attempts to curb betel nut cultivation, distribution and sales are also described. Finally, the bioethical implications of this often ignored subject are considered.
authors.affiliation: School of Bioethics, Pontificio Ateneo Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tham
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sem
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sit
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Michael Cheng-Tek
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tai
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D001114:Areca; D026688:Bioethical Issues; D003132:Commerce; D003469:Culture; D006076:Government; D006801:Humans; D009754:Nuts; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D013624:Taiwan
keywords: History of Health Ethics/Bioethics; Informed Consent; Social Aspects; Substance Abusers/Users of Controlled Substances