The impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of temporomandibular disorders

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Mirjana Bošković ,

Mirjana Bošković

University of Nis , Niš , Serbia

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Konstansa Lazarević ,

Konstansa Lazarević

State University of Novi Pazar , Novi Pazar , Serbia

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Nikola Milošević

Nikola Milošević

University of Nis , Niš , Serbia

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Abstract

Introduction/Aim. Various psychological factors that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic could contribute to the development of chronic emotional stress which is the biggest contributor to the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This research aimed to evaluate the corellation between TMD and COVID-19 pandemic among students. Methods. The authors conducted the study at the Faculty of Medicine in Niš, using an anonymous online survey, during two different periods, in 2022 at the peak of the pandemic and in 2023 after the WHO declared the end of the pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of questions that evaluate the influence of COVID-19 on patients' life as well as the questions from the Fonseca questionnaire. Results. The sample consisted of 363 (2022) and 212 (2023) examinees. Statistical significance was determined using the ch2 test. Students with TMDs were more prevalent in 2023 than in 2022 (83% vs 76%). TMDs were significantly more present among the female examinees (p < 0.001). Significance was not determined among examinees based on the study group, vaccination status, or based on whether they or their loved ones were affected by COVID-19. Conclusion. Evidence of significantlly high number of TMDs was found among students. It could be linked to COVID-19 pandemic due to a large number of stresogenic factors that affect the students.

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