Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and their association with psychosocial and behavioural factors among medical and dental postgraduate residents: a cross-sectional study

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions influenced by biological, behavioral, and psychological factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TMD and to examine its association with psycho-emotional factors and oral parafunctional behaviors among postgraduate medical and dental residents using the diagnostic criteria for Temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024 among 220 medical and dental postgraduate residents at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, selected through proportionate stratified sampling. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, DC/TMD Axis I and II, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4, PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a 95% confidence level. The prevalence of undiagnosed TMD was 10%, higher among females (63.64%) and dental postgraduate trainees (28.55%). BDS qualification was significantly associated with TMD (adjusted OR: 4.28; 95% CI: 1.56–11.79). Frequent symptoms included intermittent jaw pain (80%), headaches (50%), and joint noises (50%). Participants with TMD had significantly higher mean scores for anxiety, depression, distress, and OBC (p < 0.05). Each unit increase in OBC score was associated with a 1.08-fold increase in TMD odds. No significant association was observed with workload or residency year. TMD in postgraduate residents is linked to psycho-emotional stress and oral parafunctional behaviors, with dental residents at greater risk. Early screening, ergonomic interventions, behavioral modification, and integrated mental health support are recommended to reduce long-term orofacial morbidity in this population.