ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people around the world since March 2020. These sudden changes have caused an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression, especially in students who are making adjustments in their academic world. Therefore, this research aims to determine the relationship between the level of stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS). This research involves an analytic survey with a cross-sectional approach. The populations used were students who are actively learning at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sumatra Utara. Sample selection method is by purposive sampling method, where the sample size is determined based on specific characteristics. Inclusion criteria: students with ID numbers in 2017 and 2018 who are willing to sign an informed consent. Determination of a minimum sample size of 130 students. Measurement of research variables was conducted using CPDI questionnaire, and RASDX questionnaire. Data collection is performed online by using Google Forms while data analysis is performed by Chi-square test. In the RASDX test, 27.7% of the students were RAS-positive, 72.3% RAS-negative. There were 32.3% of students who had normal stress levels, 57.7% of students had mild-moderate distress, and 10% of students had severe distress. The major stressors used in this research were;the fear of contracting the virus (36.9%). Chi-square analysis showed p of 0.004, it was concluded that there was a significant relationship between stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of RAS in college students. © 2023,Journal of International Dental and Medical Research. All Rights Reserved.