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Nonnutritive sucking habits among preschool-aged children

Shirley A dos Santos1, Ana Larissa F de Holanda, Marina F de Sena

  • 1Departamento de Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|October 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A study found that 40.2% of preschool children in Brazil have nonnutritive sucking habits, with younger children and those whose parents have a secondary education level being more likely to persist in these habits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nonnutritive sucking habits (NNSH) are common in early childhood.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of NNSH is crucial for early intervention and prevention of potential oral health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of nonnutritive sucking habits (NNSH) in preschool children in Natal, Brazil.
  • To identify factors associated with the presence and persistence of NNSH in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1,190 children aged 3-5 years attending daycare centers and preschools in Natal, Brazil.
  • Data collected via questionnaires for parents/guardians on child's habits, age, sex, and parental education level.
  • Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of NNSH was 40.2%, with pacifier sucking at 27.7% and finger sucking at 12.5%.
  • Girls showed a higher prevalence of finger sucking, while younger children had a higher prevalence of pacifier sucking.
  • Parental education level was associated with NNSH; younger age and parental secondary education were independent factors for habit persistence.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of nonnutritive sucking habits was observed in preschool-aged children in Natal, Brazil.
  • Younger age and parental secondary education level are significant factors associated with the persistence of these habits.
  • Findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive strategies and interventions for NNSH in early childhood.
Abstract

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