Thumb sucking among kindergarten children

Thumb-sucking is a repetitive behavior that causes disturbance of the face and finger aesthetics, and has social consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors of thumb-sucking in kindergarten children in Palembang.
A cross sectional study was conducted in 203 children aged between 3.5 and 5 years. Data obtained by filling out a questionnaire to determine the characteristics of children and parents on thumb-sucking behavior.
This study showed 11.8% children with thumb-sucking. Number of siblings (p=0.004; OR=3.868; 95% CI=1.568-9.547), birth order (p=0.028; OR=3.360; 95% CI=1.202-9.392), and watching habits (p=0.01) are the risk factors of thumb sucking. The logistic regression analysis showed that number of siblings (p =0.041) was the most influential risk factor for thumb sucking.
Prevalence of thumb sucking was similiar in other Asian countries. The risk factor of thumb-sucking is number of siblings, birth order and watching habits.
Keywords: thumb sucking, kindergarten children, repetitive behavior

吮指是一种反复出现的动作，可能导致面部和手指美学受损，并带来社会层面的影响。本研究旨在确定帕朗班幼儿园儿童吮指行为的流行率和风险因素。一项横断面研究在203名3.5至5岁的儿童中展开。通过填写问卷收集数据，以确定儿童及其家长在吮指行为方面的特征。研究表明，11.8%的儿童存在吮指行为。兄弟姐妹的数量（p=0.004；OR=3.868；95% CI=1.568-9.547）、出生顺序（p=0.028；OR=3.360；95% CI=1.202-9.392）和观看习惯（p=0.01）是吮指的风险因素。逻辑回归分析显示，兄弟姐妹的数量（p=0.041）是影响吮指行为的最重要风险因素。其他亚洲国家的吮指流行率相似。吮指的风险因素包括兄弟姐妹的数量、出生顺序和观看习惯。关键词：吮指，幼儿园儿童，反复行为