Abstract

A STUDY ON APHTHOUS ULCER AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH STRESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Rukzana Bisar*, Dhanya Dharman, Deepa Manohar, Shaiju S. Daran, Nefcy Navas and Ashima Basheer

Abstract

Aphthous ulcers or recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) are common inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common mucosal disorders of the mouth. Previous studies have suggested that stress and anxiety have a role in the onset and recurrence of aphthous ulcers. Stress related disorders are one of the leading causes of morbidity and even the dental students have been one of the bearers of this condition. Study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of Aphthous ulcer among medical students and to find out its association with stress. It was a cross sectional questionnaire study on 75 college students of both sex group of age varying from 18 to 25 years was carried out. Questionnaire contained17 pre-validated questionnaire and the data is analyzed using descriptive statistics. It includes questions about aphthous ulcers and questions on perceived stress by modified perceived stress scale. Perceived stress scores were high among the pharmacy students especially among the ulcer experienced group. The distribution of RAS was more prominent in medical students. Medical students show a high prevalence of aphthous ulcers. and the prevalence was correlated with stress level.

Keywords: Aphthous ulcer, Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, Perceived stress.