Análise da disfunção temporomandibular associada a fatores psicológicos em estudantes de fisioterapia de uma universidade pública

Abstract

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is a condition of multifactorial origin that compromises the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, often associated with psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. Among university students in the health area, academic overload can favor the emergence or worsening of TMD. Objective: To investigate the association between the presence and severity of TMD with stress and anxiety levels in Physiotherapy students at a public university. Methods: Observational study of cross-sectional design, with a sample composed of 143 Physiotherapy students, evaluated through the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (DTM), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Lipp Test (ISS) for stress. The data were analyzed with non-parametric statistical tests, including chi-square. Results: It was observed that 88.1% of the participants had some degree of TMD, and 100% reported signs of stress, with a higher prevalence in the phases of exhaustion (39.9%) and resistance (30.1%). All students had moderate or severe anxiety. There was a significant association between TMD and stress levels (p < 0.001), and a positive statistical association between TMD and anxiety (χ² = 59.637; p < 0.001). Sex, age and academic period were not associated with the severity of TMD. Conclusion: The findings indicate that stress and anxiety exert a strong influence on the severity of TMD among university students. The absence of association with sociodemographic factors suggests that emotional variables have a more relevant role in the development of TMD. These results reinforce the importance of psychological support strategies and prevention programs aimed at mental health in the academic environment.