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Objective: To elucidate ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits in a selected Malaysian population. Methods: This retrospective case–control study involves 790 cases of cancers of the oral cavity and 450 controls presenting with non‐malignant oral diseases, recruited from seven hospital‐based centres nationwide. Data on risk habits (smoking, drinking, chewing) were obtained using a structured questionnaire via face‐to‐face interviews. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine association between risk habits and oral cancer risk; chi‐square test was used to assess association between risk habits and ethnicity. Population attributable risks were calculated for all habits. Results: Except for alcohol consumption, increased risk was observed for all habits; the highest risk was for smoking + chewing + drinking (aOR 22.37 95% CI 5.06, 98.95). Significant ethnic differences were observed in the practice of habits. The most common habit among Malays was smoking (24.2%); smoking + drinking were most common among Chinese (16.8%), whereas chewing was the most prevalent among Indians (45.2%) and Indigenous people (24.8%). Cessation of chewing, smoking and drinking is estimated to reduce cancer incidence by 22.6%, 8.5% and 6.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits are evident. Betel quid chewing is the biggest attributable factor for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in suicide patterns across ethnic groups with different religious background is a puzzling social phenomenon. This study sought to examine the impact of religious commitment and attitudes toward suicide on suicidal behaviors of college students across major ethnic and religious groups in a multicultural society of Malaysia. A total of 139 college students completed Religious Commitment Inventory-10, Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale, and Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Findings showed significant discrepancies in attitudes toward suicide, but not suicidal behaviors across ethnic and religious groups. Suicide acceptance significantly affected suicidal behaviors as well. Although religious commitment is not associated with suicidal behaviors, its deviation is reflected in students' acceptance of suicide. Additionally, college students' suicide risk, lifetime, and recent suicide ideation, as well as their likelihood of future suicide attempt can be associated with their acceptance of suicide. The influence of attitudes toward suicide and religion, therefore, should be taken into consideration while implementing suicide prevention programs as it helps shape the norms about suicide among youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]