Lived Experiences and Mathematical Patterns of Quid Chewers in Lanao del Sur: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study investigated the socio-demographic profiles, lived experiences, and implicit mathematical concepts of quid chewers in four municipalities of Lanao del Sur, Philippines: Binidayan, Bayang, Tubaran, and Lumbatan. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected from 20 purposively selected participants through semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that quid chewers represented diverse socio-demographic backgrounds in terms of sex, marital status, educational attainment, and occupation. Lived experiences highlighted initiation practices, habitual chewing patterns, physical and sensory effects, psychological impacts, and reflections on social and cultural contexts. Participants reported both immediate physiological responses and long-term dependence, while social interactions and cultural traditions shaped their motivations and persistence. Analysis of daily practices demonstrated that chewers employed implicit mathematical concepts, including estimation of consumption, rationing of quid portions, and timing of chewing episodes to regulate intake.