RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS AND ITS PREDISPOSING FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS

Abstract

One of the most common mucosal conditions in the oral cavity is aphthous stomatitis, often known as aphthous ulcers (AU). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a frequently seen oral ulcerative lesion, manifesting as multiple, recurrent, shallow, irregular ulcers encircled by an erythematous halo. A recurrent occurrence of one or more painful ulcers with a well-defined erythematous margin and a Yellowish-Gray pseudomembranous centre. The mean prevalence of RAS ranges from 10 to 70%. The three-month recurrence rate is as high as 61% as well. Environmental variables and the prevalence of AU investigated can be influenced by the population

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) and identify its predisposing factors among undergraduate dental students.

Methodology: Between March and November of 2024, 250 dental students from Abbottabad International Medical and Dental College took part in this cross-sectional survey. Patients of both sexes, aged between 15 and 65 years, with a documented history of recurrent aphthous ulcers (minor, major, or herpetiform, as per Stanley’s classification) for a minimum duration of one year were included in the study

Results: Out of 250 students, 125 (50%) were males while 125 (50%) were female students. Out of 250 subjects only 148 (59.2%) had Aphthous ulcer, 60 (48%) were male while 88 (70.4%) were female. Participants' average age was 21.14 ± 1.65 years, and 98 (49%) of them reported having RAS. RAS was substantially more common in women than in men (70.4 versus 48, P=0.01) and was linked to a history of family involvement (P<0.001) and a propensity to consume spicy foods (P=0.03).

Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrated a strong correlation between aphthous stomatitis and overall health. Therefore, enhancing overall health and quality of life in relation to oral health may help avoid aphthous stomatitis.