Prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and anxiety in 550 medical, dental and pharmaceutical students of Kerman Medical University

Oral Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (RAS), are among the most common oral mucosal ulcerations. The association of RAS with psychological factors has been reported in some of the previous studies. However, the results of these researches are controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and its relationship with anxiety in medical, dental and pharmaceutical students.

In this study, the prevalence of recurrent aphthous ulcers, in 550 medicine, dentistry and pharmaceutics students of Kerman medical university, and the relationship between lesions and student's anxiety, were evaluated. Cattel anxiety questionnaire was used to assess the amount of anxiety. Another questionnaire was used, in order to evaluate the aphthous ulcers. T and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

Results showed that, 107 of 550 students (19.4%) had a positive history of oral recurrent aphthous ulcers. According to the patient's statements, mental stress, use of certain food, and exam induced stress, were the most important effective factors to aggravate the aphthous ulcers. The mean adjusted score of anxiety, anxiety intensity and mean rank of anxiety, in case group, were significantly higher than control group (P<0.001). These results showed significant difference between the two groups for the gender (P<0.05).

According to the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and its relationship with anxiety, prevention of anxiety or anxiety reduction should be noticed in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.