An Expressed Feelings, Attitude and Reactions toward Halitosis Sufferers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the expressed feelings, attitude and reactions toward halitosis sufferers among
undergraduates in University of Benin.
Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates of
University of Benin, Nigeria. Data collected include demographic characteristics, halitosis experience, feeling,
attitude and reactions towards halitosis sufferers.
Results: The prevalence of halitosis was 57.3% which is purely based on reaction and information from
other people. About three-quarters (73.3%) of the respondents reported that they have met people with
halitosis and half (50.0%) of the respondents reported perceivable halitosis from their relatives. The majority
(81.3%) of the respondents wish to be informed if they have halitosis. Half (50.0%) of the respondents
reported that they would consult a dentist if they have halitosis. Over a third, (41.3%) felt sympathy towards
halitosis sufferers while about a quarter (26.7%) expressed anger and sadness. About three-quarters
(76.0%) of the respondents would feel unhappy having a classmate/roommate with halitosis. The reported
stigmatizing and discrimination reactions on meeting halitosis sufferer in a bus in descending order were
putting nose out of the window, changing position, dropping off the bus and closing nose. One-eighth (12.7%)
of the respondents were in agreement with expulsion of any student with halitosis. The majority (87.3%) of
the respondents reported advising a friend suffering from halitosis to seek urgent solution but 4% of the
respondents reported stopping the relationship with the halitosis sufferers.
Conclusion: The dominant non-receptive feelings, negative attitudes, stigmatizing and discriminatory
reactions towards halitosis sufferers even in the midst of prevalent halitosis provided the explanatory insight
into the adverse social interaction and relationship effects of halitosis