Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2026

Examination of Oral Candida Infection in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Global prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis among school and university students: a systematic review and
Ariana Rezaei Majd1, Hossein-Ali Nikbakht2, Pouyan Ebrahimi3
1Dental Materials Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Background:
Aphthous lesions are common oral diseases that can affect the quality of life, especially in students, and are frequently triggered by factors such as stress. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among students.
Methods:
Methods : This systematic review analyzed relevant evidence from international databases, including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, covering data from the earliest available records up to February 2025. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, measurement tools, and target population, while meta-regression analysis was performed considering the study year.
Results:
Results : A total of 614 studies were reviewed, of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effects model, the overall prevalence of RAS among the target population of students (both school and university students) was estimated to be 0.14 (95% CI, 0.06-0.24). The prevalence among school students was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.02-0.28), while among university students it was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.05-0.29). Furthermore, the prevalence of RAS was reported as 0.18 (95% CI, 0.05-0.36) in females and 0.10 (95% CI, 0.04-0.19) in males. Although the prevalence appeared to decrease over time, this reduction was not statistically significant (Reg Coef = -0.13, p = 0.115).
Conclusions:
This study estimates the global prevalence of RAS among students to be 14%. The findings highlight the need for standardized strategies for the diagnosis and management of oral aphthous lesions in schools and universities.
Related Concept Videos
Genital Herpes
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Herpes