Prevalence of NNSH in a Group of Egyptian Children Aged 3-8 Years Old in Giza Governorate: A Cross Sectional Study.

Prevalence of Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits in a Group of Egyptian Children Aged 3-8 Years Old in Giza Governorate: A Cross Sectional Study.

1. Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) in a group of Egyptian children aged 3-8 years old in Giza Governorate.
2. Assessment of factors associated with NNSH.

Several studies have reported on the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking behaviors among infants and young children in different populations. Non-nutritive sucking is regarded as a normal part of development, and early studies of its prevalence generally found that 70-90% of children had some history of a non-nutritive sucking habit. Like these early studies, most recent studies have used retrospective methods to assess the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits.

Prolonged duration of non-nutritive sucking behaviors may have consequences in regard to the developing orofacial structures and occlusion. Little is known as to why some children have sucking habits beyond the first 2 to 3 years of life.

Prevalence of NNSH and associated factors in Egyptian children might be different.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 3-8 years old children.
• Children free of systemic diseases.
• Positive patient/parents acceptance for participation in the study.
• Both sexes will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Disabled children.
• Children with cleft lip & palate.
• TMJ disorders.
• Children undergoing orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.
• Participants who were exposed to thumb sucking prevention programs.