The Impacts of Socio-Demographic Factors on Oral Health Status (Halitosis) among Students in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria

Abstract

Background:

Halitosis (breath malodour) is a condition that has both health and social implications. The origin of breath problems is related to both systemic and oral conditions. Modern social norms emphasize the importance of personal image and interpersonal relationships. Consequently, breath malodour may be an important factor in social communication and therefore may be the origin of concern not only for a possible health condition but also for frequent psychological alterations leading to social and personal isolation. This is the first study that examined the association between socio-demographic factors and oral health in Nigeria especially among university students in Nigeria.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and oral health status (halitosis).

Method: This is a cross sectional descriptive study.Full time university students were recruited from the department of public health in the University of Calabar, Cross River state Nigeria. Data collection was based on an anonymous questionnaire and the sample size was (n= 291). Descriptive tests, chi-square tests were conducted.  

Results: The findings of the study indicated that gender and age have a significant relationship with oral health status and frequency of teeth cleaning. The study indicated that while male students in the last age category reported poor oral health contrary to female students in the last age category that reported excellent oral health status. On the other hands, male students in the last age category reported higher frequency of teeth cleaning better than female students in the last age category.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to examine the association between socio-demographic variables and oral health status, among university students in Nigeria. The findings of this study will provide baseline information needed as a reference for more similar studies in Nigeria. The result indicated that age and gender have a significant association with oral health status, and the frequency of teeth cleaning. This study recommends more studies on oral health diseases such as cancer, periodontitis and gingivitis among adults in Nigeria by ethnicity. Another significant finding in this study is with regard to income. Unlike in general health, income plays a significant role in determining positive health status, but in oral health the role of income seems to be insignificant. There is a need for more studies on the association of socio-demographic variable and oral health status.