Self-Perceived Halitosis in La, a Suburb of Accra, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals, irrespective of their age, sex and social status suffer from halitosis. There is very little evidence, however, of the disease burden in Ghana. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-perceived halitosis in La, a suburb in Accra. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among adults in La. The main outcome variable was self-perceived halitosis. Other variables collected included the socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, occupation category, education), previous visit to a dentist, and previous/current consumption of alcohol. Background characteristics for all respondents were described, and summaries for variables reported. Cross-tabulations were done to explore the factors related to self-perceived halitosis. RESULTS: A total of 324 participants were involved in the study. This consisted of 165 males (51%) and 159 females (49%). The mean age of the entire population was 41.2±14.9 years. The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among the study population was 18%, while halitosis was found to be significantly distributed among persons with bleeding gums (p=0.007) and those who poorly rated their oral hygiene (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Halitosis is a source of concern to a considerable number of inhabitants of La. Education in this regard is therefore essential in promoting awareness and better oral health practices.

Type II diabetes and oral health: perceptions among adults with diabetes and oral/health care providers in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to examine oral health beliefs and attitudes, and utilisation of oral health care services among individuals with diabetes and health professionals who serve them in Ghana. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted. CLINICAL SETTING: University of Ghana Dental School at Korle Bu, University of Ghana School of Public Health, National Diabetes Research and Management Centre at Korle Bu, and New York University College of Dentistry. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 59 patients comprised 7 focus groups conducted in either Twi or English. Seven key informant interviews with healthcare professionals and one spiritual leader were completed. RESULTS: Data from the focus groups and interviews reveal: 1, half of the participants with diabetes have oral manifestations (e.g., bleeding gums) and participants are generally unaware of interrelationship between diabetes and oral health; 2, dental treatment utilisation is minimal and associated almost exclusively with reparative and emergency care; and 3, medical health providers do not acknowledge the interrelationship between oral health and diabetes nor do they incorporate oral health issues into diabetes screening/treatment. CONCLUSION: Oral health knowledge and practices are limited among patients with diabetes in Accra, Ghana. Collaborative efforts for in-service education and training for oral health and medical professionals may be beneficial in serving the oral and general health care needs as well as improving the oral health-related quality of life of Ghanaians with diabetes.