Association between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms and level of anxiety and depression among students of Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71354/ijthpe.03.02.68

Keywords:

TMD, anxiety , depression, Temporomandibular joint

Abstract


Background: The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms and level of anxiety
and depression among students in Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 medical and dental students using the Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results: A total of 435 students participated in the questionnaire. Among them, 34.3% revealed mild, 13.1% moderate, and 1.4% severe signs and symptoms of TMD. Additionally, 24.8% showed borderline abnormal level of anxiety, 16.8% exhibited abnormal level of anxiety, 15.9% had borderline abnormal level of depression, and 6.9% demonstrated abnormal level of depression. Fisher’s exact test revealed statistically significant associations
between TMD signs and symptoms and both anxiety (p <0.001) and depression (p <0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlighted that there is statistically significant association between TMD signs and symptoms and level of anxiety and depression.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Ratna Rachel Ponraj, Associate professor

     Faculty of Dentistry, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Chandra Surrian A/L Sinnathaanby, Dental Officer

    Dental Officer, faculty of dentistry, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Vijayendranath Sujir Nayak, Associate professor

    Faculty of dentistry, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Bharathwaj V.V., Assistant professor

    Faculty of dentistry, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Hew Wan Ting, Dental Officer

    Student, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. On Pei Ying, Dental Officer

    Student, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Seow Jiin Huey, Dental officer

    Student, MUCM, Malaysia

  • Dr. Chong Earn Chi, Dental officer

    Student, MUCM, Malaysia

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Published

2026-02-10

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Medical Education Essentials

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How to Cite

Association between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms and level of anxiety and depression among students of Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. (2026). International Journal of Transformative Health Professions Education, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.71354/ijthpe.03.02.68