KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS HALITOSIS AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Background: Halitosis is common in both young and old populations. Adolescents are prone to halitosis which can affect their psychosocial aspects and general wellbeing. Studies on halitosis in adolescents are scarce in Nigeria despite existence of the problem in the general population. Thus, this study sought to investigate the knowledge, attitude and perception of halitosis among adolescents in a selected school setting. Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design among 403 in-school adolescents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS descriptive (frequencies and means) and inferential statistics (correlation). Results: The mean age of the respondents was 14.88±1.91. Participants were females (49.9%) and males (49.6%). Knowledge was good (x̅ = 16.7±2.09 SE= 0.10) on a 22-point scale. The Attitude was fair (x̅ = 18.1±3.54 SE= 0.18) on a 32-point scale and perception of halitosis was high (x̅ = 19.3±3.05 SE= 0.15 on a 28-point scale). Age was not associated with knowledge [r(401) = -.05, p = .283)] nor perception [r(401) = .04, p = .397)], but had positive association with attitude [r(401) = .18, p <0.001)]. No significant associations were found between gender and knowledge [r(401) = .06, p = .236)], attitude [r(401= -.05, p = .345)] and perception [r(402) = .003, p = .952)]. Conclusion: Participants were knowledgeable about halitosis and had a good perception, but fair attitude. There is need to improve the attitude of adolescents to fully promote positive behaviours towards the prevention of halitosis in adolescents.