Exploring the Psychosomatic Effects of Halitosis among Married Nigerians Living in Gloucestershire England

understanding the mental health impacts of mouth odour

Background: Halitosis (breath malodour) is a condition that has both health and social implications. The origin of breath problems are 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 psychological implications of breath malodor among Nigeria couples living abroad as a cultural perspective.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the psychological and sociological effects of halitosis in intimate relationship and within the context of the social environment.

Method: The research philosophy for the study was phenomenology, and data collection was based on a face to face interview. Thirty-Six couples living together with halitosis either in the man, woman or both was purposely sampled among Nigerians resident in Gloucestershire England. Participants were sampled from the Faith Tabernacle Church and St Peters Catholic Church, the two biggest African churches in Gloucestershire. Data analysis was coding and thematic.

Results: The findings of the study indicated that halitosis both real and imaginary can be an obstacle in the intimate psychological and social relationship between husband and wife in particular, while in the social environment, it creates stigmatization, social isolation and labelling in the sufferer.

Conclusion: The findings of this study is the first of its kind among Nigerians living abroad and will provide a baseline data for further research within Nigeria, using a larger sample in a quantitative approach. However, the result indicated that oral health should be included in the primary health care and the interventions for halitosis should be focused towards psychological health, primarily by the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).