Self-reported frequency of temporomandibular disorders among undergraduate students at Taibah University

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders among undergraduate students. In addition, the severity of TMD was examined in terms of its relationship with gender, age and field of study. Methods: A total of 439 undergraduate students of both genders (age range: 20–27 years) who were studying at various colleges at Taibah University were invited to participate in this study. Each student was provided with a questionnaire, and the significance and purpose of the study were explained. The data were collected using Fonseca's questionnaire, an instrument that assessed the demographic characteristics of the students and included ten key questions. The severity of TMD was categorized as no, mild, moderate or severe. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 22 (IBM, Illinois, USA). The chi-square test was used to compare the data from different groups and to determine whether the differences were statistically significant. Results: Of those who were invited, 78 students did not return the questionnaires, whereas another 11 were excluded due to their submitting an incomplete questionnaire. A majority of the students reported no TMD (46.7%) or mild TMD (42.7%). A moderate level of TMD was reported by 8.8% of students. Only 1.7% of students reported severe TMD. No significant differences were observed in the severity of TMD in terms of student age or field of study. Conclusion: TMD is more prevalent among female students than male students. However, its occurrence is not affected by the age and field of study of the student. Keywords: Fonseca's questionnaire, Students' field of study, Taibah University, Temporomandibular joint disorder, Undergraduate students