PREFERRED SELF-TREATMENT APPROACH OF DENTAL STUDENTS AT LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY FOR APTHOUS STOMATITIS

OBJECTIVE:To study the preferred self-treatment approaches of dental students at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences for apthous stomatitis.

METHODOLOGY:This cross-sectional analysis regarding preferred self-treatment approaches for aptous stomatitis, was conducted upon a sample of 159 dental students, at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro. The sample was chosen via convenience sampling and written informed consent was taken from every participant before collecting data. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire which included inquiries about the subject’s bio data, socio demographic details, exposure to apthous ulcers, seeking professional help, preferred self-treatment approaches that further includes methods to hasten healing and alleviation of pain. The study was carried out from August 4, 2015 to January 9, 2016. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 and Ms. Excel 2013.

RESULTS:Out of 159 participants around 4/5th of the sample was comprised of females (n= 125) and 1/5th were males (n=34) with a mean age of 20.40 years (S.D = + 1.38). 45.7% of subjects did not take any kind of treatment, while 20.9% of the subjects preferred allopathic treatment followed by those who preferred herbal treatment i.e. 13.6%. Abstinence from consuming spicy and solid food was considered as major source of treatment for hastening healing, i.e. 27.7%, followed by use of nutritional supplements (vit C & folic acids), i.e. 22.2% and usage of anti-biotic & anti-fungal agents also for speeding up healing, i.e. 16.7%. Majority of sample i.e. 55%, did nothing to alleviate the pain while 34.2% of the subjects used analgesics to alleviate the pain.

CONCLUSION:This study concludes that majority of dental students showed an improper approach towards self-treatment of apthous stomatitis. Students’ education regarding treatment approaches for apthous stomatitis, one of the most common oral health problems, is need of the day. This would not only result in provision of better health care for society but also to these students’ as well.

Keywords: Apthous Stomatitis, Oral Apthous Ulcers, Canker Sores, Self-Treatment and Oral Health-Care.