Analysis of Dietary Related Factors of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among College Students

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the occurrence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among college students and its potential influence by dietary habits. METHODS: Study of dietary habits and RAS among students in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine was carried by homemade questionnaire. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify RAS risk factors and explore their relations. RESULTS: Among 1011 investigated college students, family history (odds ratio (OR) 1.678, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.192 to 2.364, p < 0.05), bed late (OR 1.515, 95% CI 1.005 to 2.285, p < 0.05), frequent thirst (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.393 to 2.435, p < 0.001), and frequent drinking carbonated beverages (OR 1.369, 95% CI 1.029 to 1.821, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for RAS, but preference for nuts (OR 0.607, 95% CI 0.448 to 0.824, p < 0.001) was a protective factor. There was no statistical difference in fruit intake between RAS and non-RAS groups (χ(2) = 5.249, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among college students, frequent drinking carbonated beverages or frequent thirst will increase its possibility, whereas preference for nuts provides protection. In addition, fruit intake does not have a positive effect.