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