Factors Associated with Temporomandibular Disorders in Thai Adults
Siritapetawee M, MSc1,2, Chatrchaiwiwatana S, PhD1
Affiliation : 1 Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Neuroscience Research and Development Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Although temporomandibular disorders (TMD) problem among Thai adults is increasing, research studies regarding
TMD in Thailand are still scarce.
Objective : The aims of this study were to evaluate prevalence of as well as factors associated with TMD in Thai adults.
Materials and Methods : The survey was conducted on 1,874 Thai adults (656 males and 1,218 females), aged 20 to 93 years, residing
in several provinces of central and northeastern Thailand, using both the questionnaire and the oral health examination. Data were
analyzed using descriptive, bivariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression to adjust for confounding variables.
Results : The results showed that 20.5% of the participants had TMD. Findings from the multivariable logistic regression model
revealed that TMD was inversely associated with body mass index and diabetes, with the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) (95% CI) being
0.949 (0.919 to 0.981) and 0.674 (0.478 to 0.952), respectively. Shallow periodontal pocket and having social security welfare were
directly related to TMD with the aOR (95% CI) being 1.353 (1.044 to 1.754) and 4.198 (2.859 to 6.166). The effect of an interaction
between age and heart disease towards TMD was significant (aOR (95% CI) being 0.921 (0.869 to 0.976)) It was shown that having
heart disease did increase the magnitude of association at all levels of age. Age and gender were important in modelling the association
of TMD. Therefore they were retained in the model although they were not significant.
Conclusion : The prevalence of TMD in these Thai adults is substantial. The findings that several risk indicators are associated with
TMD suggest the need for various actions to effectively approach this problem. The implications of this research may be of use not
only acting as a baseline for future study but also for prevention and planning to reduce TMD problem among adults in Thailand.
Keywords : TMD, Factors, Adults, Thailand
