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

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: Caution should be used in interpreting 12-month and lifetime RAS prevalence based a subject's recall.