Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder among North Saudi University students

Objective: The aim of the current investigation was to study the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) among university students of North Saudi Arabia. Methods: A specifically constructed questionnaire was distributed to 489 university students to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings among them. The study sample consisted of 346 males and 143 females (age range was 18-25 years). The data were analyzed, and probability values were set at p <= 0.05. Results: A total of 49.7% of participants had at least one sign or symptom of TMD. Clicking was the most reported finding. Pain in or about the ears/cheeks was the second most common finding. In all, 24.3% of the participants reported one TMJ finding; meanwhile, 0.4% reported the presence of five concurrent TMJ signs and symptoms. Females reported more TMJ signs and symptoms than males (p<0.05). Science and health students reported more TMD findings than humanitarian college students (p<0.05). Discussion: University students in north Saudi Arabia reported high prevalence of TMD. Also, students from science and health colleges reported higher prevalence of TMD findings than humanitarian college students. Clicking and pain are the most prevalent findings of TMD among university students. The results of this investigation highlight the need for additional research to shed more light on the risk factors and findings related to TMD. This will facilitate drawing adequate guidelines for prevention and management of TMD.