An exploration of point, annual, and lifetime prevalence in characterizing recurrent aphthous stomatitis in USA children and youths

Abstract

This report presents and contrasts the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in 51 471 children and adolescents from two major studies: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994 (NHANES III) and the National Survey of Oral Health in USA Schoolchildren, 1986-1987 (OHSC), large USA studies based on multistage probability sampling. Prevalence proportions, 95% confidence limits and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed for point, 12-month, and lifetime RAS prevalence using SAS-callable SUDAAN 8.0.2. Examinations were performed on 51 471 children and adolescents. Point prevalence was 1.51% (NHANES III) and 1.21% (OHSC); annual prevalence was 19.84% (NHANES III); and lifetime prevalence was 40.18% (OHSC). Multivariate logistic models showed that being white, having a history of herpes labialis, (NHANES III), and being white and an adolescent (OHSC) were predictors of RAS. Caution should be used in interpreting 12-month and lifetime RAS prevalence based a subject's recall.