Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint Pain Associated with Stress among Medical Undergraduate University Students in Karachi: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are complex musculoskeletal conditions that impact the TMJ, marked by discomfort, limited movement, and audible sounds from the joint. Psychological stress has been identified as a key factor contributing to the onset and worsening of TMD. University students, especially those enrolled in medical programs, face heightened levels of stress from academic and social demands, making them particularly susceptible to stress-related musculoskeletal issues.To assess the prevalence of Temporomandibular joint pain among undergraduate medical students at universities in Karachi and to examine its association with perceived stress levelA cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 medical undergraduate students from various universities across Karachi, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: Fonesca Amnestic index (FAI) for assessing TMD severity and Perceived stress Scale (PSS-10) for evaluating stress level. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the rates of prevalence, whereas chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to assess the association between stress severity and TMD severity.A total of 374 undergraduate health sciences students (66.3% females; mean age 22.08 ± 1.88 years) were included. Based on the Fonseca Anamnestic Index, 75.7% exhibited some degree of TMD, predominantly mild (38.8%), with frequent headaches (51.1%) and neck pain (42.5%) being common symptoms. The mean perceived stress score was 20.30 ± 5.79, with 74.9% reporting moderate stress. TMD severity showed significant associations with gender, year of study, educational program, and perceived stress severity (p < 0.05), while age was not significantly associated. This study reveals a significant prevalence of temporomandibular disorders among undergraduate students in health sciences, with stress contributing significantly to the severity of the condition. Female students, those in their later years of study, and individuals with a higher perception of stress showed greater susceptibility, while age did not seem to impact the severity of TMD. These results underscore the importance of implementing early detection methods, stress management programs, and preventive measures within educational environments to reduce the advancement and effects of TMD.