Effect of blood iron level on prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in traffic police officers

Introduction: Iron is one of human micronutrients which is the most abundant micro mineral in the body. Iron deficiency can affect the human immune system because this mineral is essential for cell differentiation and growth. In addition, white blood cells that function to destroy bacteria becomes unable to work effectively and will result in changes in oral microorganisms which can increase intensity of oral mucosa inflammation including recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This study aimed to determine the association between blood iron levels and recurrent aphthous stomatitis in traffic police officers at Surabaya Police Department. Materials and Method: This research was an analytical observational with cross sectional approach. The respondents of this research were 98 traffic police officers at Surabaya Police Department, they were selected by simple random sampling method by fulfilling several criteria. Researchers then performed intra oral examination and anamnesis to know the history of ulceration in the mouth of the respondents. Results: Respondents who had abnormal iron levels experienced RAS more than respondents with normal iron levels. The correlation test between iron blood level of and RAS with chi-square test resulted in P-value of 0.034. Because the p-value (0.034) is less than significance level (0.05), the null hypothesis is rejected. Thus, this means that there is a relationship between blood iron levels and RAS. Conclusion: There is relationship between blood iron levels and Recurrent aphthous stomatitis in traffic police officers at Surabaya Police Department.