Prevalence and associated risk factors of recurrent aphthous ulceration among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, between December 2024 and February 2025. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, investigating the sociodemographic characteristics, history of mouth ulcers, prevalence of RAU, and potential triggering factors. Results: The study included 393 medical students, and 58.2% of them reported a history of mouth ulcers. The prevalence of RAU was 14.6%, mostly lasted less than 10 days. The prevalence of RAU was significantly higher among older students, first-year students, and interns, lower GPA, females reporting menstrual disorders, students reporting medication use, and those reporting general health disorders. In addition, consumption of spicy, acidic, and salty foods was found to have a significant impact on RAU occurrence. Students who tended to suppress emotions had a higher prevalence of RAU compared with those who expressed their feelings. Conclusion: RAU was common among medical students in Riyadh and seemed to be significantly impacted by psychosocial, nutritional, and health-related elements rather than just demographic features. Important factors in the emergence of RAU were stress, poor grades, bad eating habits, and underlying medical issues. These results showed how vital stress management techniques, food awareness, and early detection of any underlying medical problems were in lowering RAU burden and raising students' well-being.