Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in children in Xiangyun of Yunnan, China: a cross-sectional study

Guoyao Tang,Qiongyue Zhang,Mingshan Liu,Qianqian Song,Hui Yao

doi:10.1186/s13052-022-01209-6

Abstract

BackgroundThis population-based cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in children in a rural area in China as epidemiological data on these conditions from such areas are insufficient.MethodsA total of 3145 children in Xiangyun of Yunnan were enrolled. A socio-economic questionnaire and a field survey of OMLs were administered. We gathered information on factors (sex, age, caregiver, parental education, and last-month household income) that might be associated with OMLs in these children.ResultsOMLs in children in Xiangyun of Yunnan had a prevalence of 1.8% (95% CI; 1.3–2.3%). The most prevalent OML was oral ulcer (n = 11; 18.3%), followed by linea alba (n = 10; 16.7%), whereas the least prevalent OMLs were frenal tag (n = 1; 1.7%) and herpes labialis (n = 1; 1.7%). On unadjusted or adjusted regression, school-aged children had about 50% lower risk of OMLs than preschoolers.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the prevalence of OMLs in Xiangyun of Yunnan is lower than previously reported. Additionally, the age might be associated with the occurrence of OMLs in children in Xiangyun of Yunnan, China.

Highlights

This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in children in a rural area in China as epidemiological data on these conditions from such areas are insufficient
Since socioeconomic status (SES) is a factor associated with the prevalence of OMLs [8], further understanding of this association is needed to inform the decisions of healthcare providers and policy makers
In total, 4161 children were invited to participate in our study

Summary

Introduction

This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in children in a rural area in China as epidemiological data on these conditions from such areas are insufficient. Oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) are a group of conditions that occur on the surface of the oral mucosa and present a variety of lesions. These lesions can impair the activities of chewing, swallowing, and speaking [1, 2]. Studies have been conducted on the prevalence of OMLs to provide a practical strategy for their treatment and prevention. Most of these studies have focused on potentially malignant lesions, such as oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus [4,5,6]. Since socioeconomic status (SES) is a factor associated with the prevalence of OMLs [8], further understanding of this association is needed to inform the decisions of healthcare providers and policy makers

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Conclusion