Discrimination towards People with Halitosis in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To assess the levels of discrimination towards people with halitosis among Nigerian undergraduates.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates in Benin City, Nigeria as part of a larger scale halitosis relational survey. Information was obtained on individual characteristics and level of discriminatory attitudes. The information was measured on a halitosis discriminatory scale (HDS). The HDS had 18 items on usual everyday interactions and specific domains such as employment, education, housing and interactions such as with law enforcement and service providers.

Results: Of the participants, 38.7% reported moderate/major discrimination towards halitosis sufferers. This discrimination was not significantly associated age and sex. The mean score for threat/harassment was 3.04±0.06 and that of insult was 3.11±0.07 under everyday interactions. Regarding domains, employment was the most discriminatory domain (recruitment for a new job > being dismissed from a job > promotion denial) and the least discriminatory domain was housing.

Conclusion: Discrimination exists towards people with halitosis in Nigeria, especially regarding everyday interactions and employment. A community based success oriented halitosis preventive and curative approach will help offset this inequality tag.