Digit-sucking habit of preschool children in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Although digit-sucking habit is common in preschool children, there is multiracial variation of prevalence rates. Hitherto unidentified variables are being reported as possible risk factors. To analyse this habit in preschool children in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria, a prospective crosssectional study was conducted on one hundred (100) children. Their mothers were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. The habit was noted in 23% of the children, with a slight male preponderance. Using the correlation coefficient model, longer total duration of breast-feeding was not well correlated with increase in number of digit-sucking preschool children (correlation coefficient, r = 0.36, P < 0.05). The number of these children exposed to pacifier sucking was significantly greater than the number of their non-sucking counterparts with similar exposure (χ² = 38.56, P < 0.05). It is concluded that preschool children exposed to pacifier use and shorter duration of breast-feeding were more likely to exhibit the habit. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(2): 99–101).

Keywords

digit-sucking - habit - preschool children - prevalence - risk factors