Prevalence of Self Perceived/Reported Halitosis and Oral Hygiene Practices Among Resident Doctors in Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported halitosis, oral hygiene practices and related diseases among Resident doctors in University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Methods: Ninety-four self-administered structured questionnaires were used to investigate self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among a group of Resident doctors in UBTH. Chi square test was used to detect significant differences between frequencies and to test correlation between self-perception of halitosis and measures of oral hygiene.

Results: 60.4% of the participants were males and 39.6% were females. Self-perception of halitosis was reported by 34.6%. Halitosis was reported with the highest frequency (79.1%) during wake-up time. Halitosis was perceived by only 6% during the hand on mouth test.

Conclusion: The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among the volunteers in this study was within the range of other studies. Knowledge and practices of appropriate methods of oral hygiene care was lower among non-dental medical practitioners.