Prevalence and Awareness of Aphthous Ulcers Among Libyan University Students

Abstract

Background: Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are painful oral lesions prevalent among young adults, including university students. These ulcers affect daily functions like eating and speaking, potentially hindering academic performance. Factors like stress, diet, and nutritional deficiencies contribute to their occurrence. Despite their frequency, students often lack adequate awareness, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: This study assesses the prevalence and awareness of aphthous ulcers among Libyan university students to inform health interventions.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 Libyan university students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire on the prevalence, awareness, and management of aphthous ulcers. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and comparisons were made using chi-square tests (p-value < 0.05).

Results: Male participants slightly outnumbered females (52.7% vs. 47.3%), and the average participant age was 23.12 years. A significant 77% of students reported a history of aphthous ulcers, with episodes occurring 1-3 times yearly and lasting 1-2 weeks. Despite the discomfort, 40.5% of students were unaware of aphthous ulcers, and 53.3% had not received education on the condition. Topical treatments (51%) and prescription medications (38.9%) were common management approaches. Over half of the students (53.9%) reported that ulcers occasionally disrupted their daily activities, and 52.2% did not take preventive measures.

Conclusion: Aphthous ulcers significantly impact daily life, with many students experiencing recurrent episodes. The findings reveal a gap in awareness and preventive practices, emphasizing the need for improved education and targeted interventions to enhance management and reduce the condition's impact.