Association between stress and temporomandibular disorders among medical professionals of Udaipur city, India

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint is a synovial joint of an ellipsoid variety and a joint that hinges the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Any hindrance with jaws and muscles of face which control temporomandibular joint are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) Objective: To assess the association of temporomandibular dysfunction and perceived stress among medical professionals of Udaipur city. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional Questionnaire study was conducted amongst medical professionals of Udaipur City. A List was prepared regarding all medical colleges of Udaipur city, out of six medical colleges one was selected randomly which was pacific institute of medical sciences. Medical professionals with MBBS/MD/MS/DNB Degree and those who were willing to participate are included in the study whereas subjects suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis, any previous history of surgery in maxillofacial area, showing signs and symptoms of TMD, any history of trauma in maxillofacial area, were excluded from the study. Questionnaire was based on fonseca’s TMD assessment scale given by Fonseca in 1992 and perceived stress scale by S.Cohen in 1983, both scale consisted of 10 questions each. Results: A total of 400 subjects participated out of which only 3.5% medical professionals were having severe TMDs. A total of 58.8% subjects were having moderate level of stress whereas none of the participants were having HIGH stress levels. Few Subjects were having Mild TMD (22.5%) to which (58.8%) were found to have Moderate stress levels.