Assessment of Temporomandibular Disorders in Medical and Dental Students: Prevalence and Severity

Varqa Faraid; Nida Fatima; Asad Nawaz; Fazli Hamid; Arbab Mukhtar

doi:10.65293/jbkcd.v1i01.9

Authors

Varqa Faraid Senior Registrar, Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Nida Fatima Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Asad Nawaz Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Fazli Hamid Hazara institute of health and management sciences, Hazara, Pakistan
Arbab Mukhtar Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65293/jbkcd.v1i01.9

Keywords:

Temporomandibular disorders, TMD, medical students, dental students, bruxism, stress, risk factor

Abstract

Objective: This study is to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and related risk factors of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among medical and dental undergraduates.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan; from February 2021 to July 2022.

Methodology: The study was conducted with 700 undergraduate students (400 from medicine and 300 from dentistry), employing the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Demographic data, together with information on symptoms and risk factors (such as bruxism, stress, posture, and habits), were collected. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the primary determinants of TMD.

Results: The overall prevalence of TMD was 45.7%, with 12.9% displaying moderate symptoms and 5.7% displaying severe symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms included jaw pain (78.1%), clicking sounds (56.3%), and limited mouth opening (37.5%). Regression analysis identified bruxism (OR = 2.85, p < 0.001), heightened stress (OR = 2.21, p < 0.001), previous jaw trauma (OR = 2.67, p < 0.001), and female gender (OR = 1.78, p = 0.003) as significant predictors of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Suboptimal posture and regular gum chewing demonstrated fewer relationships.

Conclusion: TMD is prevalent among medical and dental students, with stress and bruxism as major contributing factors. Preventive strategies, including stress management and awareness programs, may mitigate the impact of TMD in this population.

Author Biography

Nida Fatima, Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Corresponding Author: dr.nida2125@gmail.com

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