Assessment of Prevalence and Severity of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Among Medical, Dental, and Allied Healthcare Students and Practitioners in Pakistan – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent multifactorial musculoskeletal and psychosocial conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. They are increasingly recognized among healthcare students, where stress, malocclusion, and parafunctional behaviors contribute to dysfunction. Despite rising international attention, limited national data exist describing the prevalence and severity of TMDs among healthcare trainees and practitioners in Pakistan. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders among medical, dental, and allied healthcare students and practitioners in Pakistan and to identify associated behavioral and occupational factors. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 271 healthcare students and practitioners from medical, dental, and allied disciplines using the validated Fonseca Anamnestic Index. Data were collected electronically and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and 95% confidence intervals, were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the PRIDE Center for Research & Learning Institute, Pakistan (PRIDE/ERB/2025/014). Results: Of 271 respondents, 64.9% were female, and 80.7% belonged to dentistry. The overall prevalence of TMD was 60.5%, comprising 35.4% mild, 19.6% moderate, and 5.5% severe cases. Females exhibited higher severity than males (p = 0.024). Common symptoms included neck stiffness (45.6%), headaches (39.6%), and bruxism (32.6%). Dental participants demonstrated significantly greater TMD severity (p < 0.001). Conclusion: TMDs are prevalent among healthcare trainees and practitioners in Pakistan, particularly among dental professionals and females. Academic stress, parafunctional behaviors, and musculoskeletal strain are key contributing factors. Preventive measures such as ergonomic training, psychological support, and early screening are recommended to reduce TMD-related morbidity in healthcare education.