The digit sucking habit and related factors: observations from a child dental health clinic in Nigeria.

An increased prevalence of the digit sucking habit among Nigerian children has been reported. Certain factors are believed to influence its occurrence. This study was carried out to assess these factors and determine possible correlation with the onset and persistence of the habit. The sample population consisted of 81 children--52 females and 29 males aged 3-16 years who were still actively digit sucking. Findings in this group were compared with a control group made up of 80 children aged 2-16 years who were not digit suckers and had no history of the habit. Results showed no correlation between mode of infant feeding and the digit sucking habit. The duration of breast-feeding was found to have a significant effect on the habit. About 79% of non-suckers had been breast-fed for more than 6 months while only 43.2% of digit suckers were breast-fed for the same duration. The digit sucking habit was observed more frequently in children with mothers in high cadre occupations (53.1%) compared to non-suckers (23.8%). More digit suckers (22.2%) than non-suckers (12.5%) were reported to have a history of pacifier use. Neither family size nor position of the child in the family had a significant effect on the occurrence of the habit. In addition, 48.1% of the sample population had siblings with the same habit compared to 16.2% of the controls. The identification of significant factors may be useful in targeting interventions in order to prevent consequences of the prolonged habit.