ADDICTION OF CHEWING MOMMA

BY THE RESIDENTS OF LOWER MANGGA,

TUDING, ITOGON, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES

A Research study

Presented to

The faculty of Senior High School

Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial National High School

Bua, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements of the Core Subject

Practical Research I

By;

Bondad, Erika A.

March 25, 2017

 Approval sheet

This research study attached, entitled Addiction of chewing momma by the

residents of Lower Mangga prepared and submitted by Erika A. Bondad in partial

fulfillment for the Practical Research I, for the implemented K-12 has been examined

and is recommended for approval and acceptance.

Joanie T. Haramain

__________________

Research Adviser

Edgar Tomino

______________

SHS Teacher

ii
 Acknowledgement

The research undertaking is made with the participation and assistance of

research adviser, classmates and friends. Their contributions are sincerely appreciated

and proudly acknowledged. The researcher would like to give thanks to following

persons who voluntarily share their ideas and give their help.

Mrs. Joanie T. Haramain, Research adviser, and Mr. Edgar Tomino, Statistics

Teacher thank you for the knowledge that you have shared and thank for your patience

in teaching us.

To my family and friends, thank you, especially my parents to their undying

support and love that gives me the eagerness in undertaking this research. I hope that

someday I can make you proud. And special thanks to Mr. Ronald Suyat for the giving

me the idea to conduct this research.

Thank you!!!!!

iii
 Table of contents

CHAPTER I

Cover page i
Approval sheet ii
Acknowledgement iii
Table of contents iv

CHAPTER II

A. Research problem 1
B. Research objectives 1
C. Hypothesis 2
D. Theoretical framework 2
E. Assumption 3
F. Significance of the study 3
G. Scope and limitation of the study 3
H. Definition of terms 3-4

CHAPTER III

Review of related literature 5

A. Foreign studies 5-6
B. Local studies 6-8

CHAPTER IV

Research methodology 9
Methodology 9
Data gathering 9-13
Statement of the hypothesis 13

CHAPTER V
 Conclusion 14

Recommendation 14

Bibliography 15

Appendix 16-27

Curriculum vitae 28

iv
CHAPTER II
Addiction of chewing momma by the residents of
Lower Mangga, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines

A. Statement of the Problem

 Problem: The main problem of the study is the addiction of chewing momma by

the residents of Lower Mangga, Tuding, Benguet, Philippines. Specifically, it attempts to

answer the following questions:

1. What are the advantage and disadvantage of chewing momma by the residents of

Lower Mangga, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines?

2. What are the reasons that influenced the residents of Lower Mangga, Tuding, Itogon,

Benguet?

3. What are the effects of spiting momma in the surroundings of Lower Mangga, Tuding,

Itogon, Benguet, Philippines?

B. Objectives of the study

Objectives: the main purpose of the study is the addiction of chewing momma by

the residents of Lower Mangga, Tuding, Benguet, Philippines. Specifically, it attempts

to answer the following objectives

1. To determine the advantage and disadvantage of chewing momma by the residents

of Lower Mangga, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines.

2. To find out the reasons that influenced the residents of Lower Mangga, Tuding,

Itogon, Benguet.

3. To identify the effects of spiting momma in the surroundings of Lower Mangga,

Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines.

 C. Null Hypothesis

Specific problem: Is there a significant difference on the addiction of chewing

momma by the residents of Lower Mangga.

Hypothesis: There is no significant difference of the reasons why the residents of

Lower Mangga, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines is being addicted to chewing

momma.

D. Theoretical Framework

Independent Intervening Dependent

Variable Variable Variable

Addiction Residents/ chewing

respondents momma

E. Assumption

The residents of Lower Mangga, Tuding Itogon, Benguet, Philippines are addicted

to chewing momma.
 F. Significance of the study

The research study aims to determine and identify the advantages and

disadvantages of chewing momma. To know the reasons why the residents are being

addicted to chewing of momma. To gather information about chewing momma.

G. Scope and limitation of the study

This study aims to investigate if there is an addiction of chewing

momma by the residents of Lower Mangga.

The research study is important for it identifies the reason why the

resident is being addicted to chewing momma, and it also covers

the advantages and disadvantages.

The study is important for the students and the residents to gain

knowledge about the research study.

H. Definition of terms

Momma/ Betel Chew- the nut is the fruit of the areca palm (areca catechu). It is

chewed together with a leaf of the betel piper vine (Piper betel) from which the name

comes. The nut is cut into segments dabbed with lime (which is ground and burnt sea-

shell), and a plug of chewing tobacco.

Areca nut is not a true nut, but rather, a drupe. It is an essential ingredient, raw

or dried, sliced, shredded or cut into pieces and chunam into burnt chalk, coral or

sea shells (slaked lime) with a piece of sun dried tobacco for added kick.

Arecoline is a stimulant, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system,

causing pupil contraction, increasing secretion of tears and salivation.

 Piper betel- the leaves are usually daubed with lime, then packed with slices of

areca nut inside, and folded in a variety of ways, then chewed until it reddens the

mouth.
Apog/lime- made from kiln-baked seashells; it keeps the active ingredient in

freebase or alkaline form, beside seashells, mollusk (snails, mussels, fresh water

shellfish) and coral are sources of lime in island areas.

Tobacco / Mascada: A piece of sundried tobacco is used for added "kick."

CHAPTER III

Review of related literature

Foreign study

Betel Nut commonly known as Dakhani Supari is another name of Areca Nut or

Pinang. Its chewing is believed to generate a sense of well-being, euphoria, heightened

alertness, sweating, salivation, a hot sensation in the body and increased capacity to

work. It also increases plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine which

means that it mainly affects the central and autonomic nervous systems (Sharma,

2009).

If at all betel nut also known as Areca nut had any commercial or nutritional

benefits then it has failed its growers and consumers big time, with devastating effects

to the latter. The adverse effects that betel quid comprising of betel nut, slaked lime and

tobacco, all wrapped in betel leaves has had on the lives of the people of Myanmar and

South East Asia in general leaves more questions than answers (Ndaga,2013).

The betel nut is the fourth most commonly used addictive substance worldwide

after tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. The use of betel nut has been known since the

fourth century A.D. for its both medical and psychosomatic purposes, e.g. as a breath

refresher, digestive agent, worm expellant, and maintaining energy. The betel nut is

traditionally masticated as a quid along with various ingredients, such as betel leaf,

slaked lime, catechu, different types of tobacco, other additives, perfumes, and

stimulants. Complex reactions and interactions may occur while chewing the betel quid.

The betel nut has four major alkaloids: arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, and guvacine.

Arecoline is a parasympathomimetic tertiary amine that has action on both nicotinic and

muscarinic

receptors. The claimed effects of betel nut-chewing are to produce a sense of well-

being, euphoria, heightened alertness, sweating, salivation, warm sensation of the body,

and feeling of having increased capacity to work. (Chen et gal., 2011).

The betel quid and the individual ingredients are widely used for medicinal,

magical, and symbolical purposes. It is administered as a curative for a plethora of ills,

including indigestion and worms. It is believed to facilitate contact with supernatural

forces and is often used to exorcize spirits, particularly those associated with illness. In

its symbolical role, it is present at nearly all religious ceremonies and festivals of the

lunar calendar. Betel fosters relationships and thus serves as an avenue of

communication between relatives, lovers, friends, and strangers. It figures in male-

female alliances and its potency in this area is especially telling. Because of its power in

bonding relationships, betel is used symbolically to solidify acts of justice such as oaths

of allegiance and the settlement of lawsuits. Betel is a surrogate for money in payment

to midwives and surgeons for services rendered (Rooney, 1993).

According to Bowers (2016), betel nut has a long history in South and Southeast Asia

and the Pacific Basin. In Guam and other Pacific islands, its use can be traced back as

far as 2,000 years. A habit passed down through generations, chewing betel nut is a

time-honored custom for 1020 percent of the worlds population. Today, the World

Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 600 million people use some form of

betel nut. It is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, in fourth

place after nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. But while betel nut is an important cultural

and social tradition in many countries, growing evidence points to serious health effects

from regular use. Many people chew betel nut for the energy boost it produces. This is

likely due to the nuts natural alkaloids, which release adrenaline. It may also result in

feelings of euphoria and well-being. Some traditional beliefs hold that it may offer relief

for a range of ailments, from dry mouth to digestive problems. However, the drug has

not been well tested in clinical trials, and evidence of any health benefits is limited.
Local Study

According to Cynthia Valdes (2004) elderly people in the Philippines invariably

remember a time in their youth when offering a tray of buyo or hitso (native terms for the

betel chew) was the essence of urbanity, an act of courtesy and politeness in every

house especially in the homes of the wealthy. A homeowner would never fail to offer

betel to anyone who entered his house for to do so would be a serious breach of

hospitality. On formal occasions, the ingredients of the quid would be served in precious

metal trays (bandejados or buyeras) or boxes offered by servants, daughters of the

household or even the lady of the house herself. The practice of betel chewing used to

be prevalent throughout the Philippines from the mountains in the north to the Muslim

communities in the south.

The tribal people of the Cordillera, commonly called Igorots, carry their

containers around their waists or in little specially made baskets. Most of the men,

especially the older ones, chew betel constantly. The Igorots believe that the chewing of

betel staves off hunger and tiredness as they work long hours in their rice fields.

Areca nut is the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance in the

world, chewed regularly by at least 10% of the population, with high prevalence in South

and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the buyo is regarded as tonic and general

stimulant, but harmful with excessive use which can cause loss of appetite, salivation,

and general degeneration of the organism (Stuart, 2017).

 8

CHAPTER IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology

The purpose of the study is to gather information's about the addiction of chewing

momma by the residents of Lower Mangga.

The purpose of this study in this chapter is to (1) describe the instrument that is used to

collect the data, and (2) provide an explanation of the procedures used to analyzing the

data.

Methodology

A descriptive research is used in this study. This survey is conducted with the use

of a questionnaire and observation method. The questionnaire was distributed to 30

respondents. Questionnaires are potentially information can be collected from a large

portion of a group. This potential is not often realized, as returns from questionnaires

are usually low. However, return rates can be dramatically improved if the questionnaire

is delivered and responded to in class time (Milne, 1999).

Data gathering

The gathered information's (from the 30 questionnaires that are distributed to 30

respondents, 26 was returned.)

The advantages of chewing momma

Advantage x Average percentage rate

Strengthens the voice, tongue, teeth, 76/390*100 19.59% 3

76
and jaws.

Cleans the mouth 66 66/390*100 16.92% 5

 Kill worms, remove phlegm, 92/390*1000 23.6% 1
92
eradicates odors

Purifies all the organs of the body 70 70/390*100 17.9% 4

Well-being 86 86/390*100 22.05% 2

TOTAL 390(xt) 99.96%

The mean was used to measure the general response of the survey

samples, whether they agree to a given statement or not.

The formula in computing weighted mean is as follows:

Where: x number of responses

xt total number of responses (390)

Interpretation

Based from the data gathered by the researcher the advantage of chewing

momma can kill worms, remove phlegm, eradicates odors, in where it gets the higher

rate from the respondents.

10
Disadvantages of chewing momma (betel chew/ betel quid)

Disadvantage X average percentage rate

Addiction 88 88/390*100 22.6% 1

Precancerous changes in the 80 80/390*100 20.5% 3

mouth

Oral cancer 84 84/390*100 21.5% 2

 Skin or tooth discoloration 76 76/390*100 19.4% 4

Triggers palpitations and 62 6/390*100 15.9% 5

nervousness

TOTAL 390 (xt) 99.9

The mean was used to measure the general response of the survey samples,

whether they agree to a given statement or not.

The formula in computing weighted mean is as follows:

Where: x number of responses

xt total number of responses (390)

Interpretation

From the information gathered addiction is the main disadvantage of chewing

momma, for that leads to precancerous, oral cancer and skin/tooth discoloration.

11
Reasons why the residents of lower manga are

being addicted to chewing of momma.

peer influence 38.5

advantage 26.9

habit 19.2
 taste 7.7

45.0

40.0

35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0
peer influence advantage habit taste

In the questionnaire the respondents answered that chewing momma is better

than smoking cigarette, because of it advantage and because cigarette brings more

illness and disease, like cancer.

12
The effects of spitting of momma to the surroundings
 spitted momma in public places; 26%

not spitted places; 40%

spitted momma in bottels; 34%

The hypothesis

Null hypothesis

There is no addiction of chewing momma by the residents of Lower Mangga.

Alternative hypothesis

There is an addiction of chewing momma by the residents of Lower Mangga.

Reject NULL HYPOTHESIS

Accept ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

13

CHAPTER V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION

 Conclusion

Chewing momma/betel nut has its advantages and disadvantages, one

advantage is that it kills worms, remove phlegm, eradicates odors, and its disadvantage

is addiction, and oral cancer.

In the study it is proven that there is an addiction of chewing momma by the

residents of Lower Mangga. The ssmain reasons are of being addicted to chewing

momma are peer influence, the advantages, its taste, and its already their habit.

Recommendation

1. Based on the result of the study there is an addiction of chewing momma, it is

recommended that they should stop this habit while they can, for this addiction

leads to oral cancer.

2. To prevent the spitting of momma in public places the barangay officials should

make a rule that those who spit momma in public places should be fined or be

in jailed in months.

14
Bibliography
1. http://www.lasieexotique.com/mag_betel/mag_betel.html, betel chewing in the

Philippines by Cynthia Valdez, 2004

2. https://fndaga.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/chewing-to-the-grave-peoples-

addiction-to-betel-quid/ Fred Ndaga, 2013

3. http://stuartxchange.com/Bunga.html, George Stuart Jr. M.D
4. http://www.rooneyarchive.net/books/betel_chewing_traditions_in_south-

east_asia.pdf, Dawn F. Rooney

5. http://www.healthline.com/health/betelnutdangers?

s_con_rec=true&r=01#Overview1, Written by Madigan Talmage-Bowers, 2016

6. http://rhour.com/chewing-addiction.html, Rohit Sharma (2009)

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259603846_The_Betel_Nut_Withdrawal

_An_Often_Overlooked_Psychiatric_Condition, Chen et gal

15

Appendix (Sample of a cover letter and the questionnaire)

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
 Cordillera administrative region
Division of Benguet
Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial National High School
Bua, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet

February 18, 2017

Dear Respondents,
The Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial National High School with the
implementation of the K-12 program particularly in the one of the requirements in the
applied subject Practical Research I, is undertaking a comprehensive survey on the
Addiction of Chewing Momma by the Residents of Lower Mangga. Your
cooperation in this undertaking is valuable. Specifically, the study aims among other
things, (a) to identify the advantages and disadvantages of chewing momma, (b) to
determine the reasons why the residents of Lower Mangga are addicted to chewing
momma, (c) to know the effects of spitting of momma to the surroundings.
The attached questionnaire is designed to elicit the information needed for the
study. I shall send other questionnaires to complete my study.
I assure you that all information obtained in this study will be kept in strict
confidence. The identity of the institution will not be revealed in any ways of report will
only with aggregates. As much as possible, please do not leave any item in the
questionnaire blank.
No total in-depth study has been far completed. It is my experience that the
reason for this is that questionnaire sent are not answered and returned on time. The
return of this questionnaire in one or two days is therefore earnestly requested.
Your cooperation on this undertaking is highly appreciated.
Respectfully yours,

Erika A. Bondad
Senior High School Student
Noted and approved:

Joanie Haramain
Research Adviser

Curriculum Vitae
Educational Background
Elementary : Aluling Elementary school Year Graduated: 2011

High School : Saint Agnes School Year Graduated: 2016

Senior High School: Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial National High School

Personal Information
Name: Erika Amon Bondad Gender: Female

Address: Tuding, Itogon

Provincial Address: Benguet

Telephone: N/A Cell Phone: 09187886687

E-mail Address: erikabondad@yahoo.com

Date of Birth: August 13, 1999 Place: Aluling, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur

Civil Status: Single Citizenship: Filipino

Height: 54 Weight: 50 kl.

Religion: Roman Catholic

Spouse: N/A Occupation: N/A

Name of Children/s: N/A Date of Birth: N/A

Fathers Name: Agustin J. Bondad Occupation: Farmer

Mothers Name: Segundina A. Bondad Occupation: Farmer

Parents Address: Aluling, Cervantea, Ilocos Sur

Language/Direct Spoken& Written: Kankana-ey, Ilocano, Tagalog, English

Person to Contacted in Case of Emergency: Rolando Suyat Jr

His/ Her Address and Telephone: 09506916897