Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in elderly population treated within the public hospital network of Medellin (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective: To determine prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders signs and symptoms of elderly adults in Medellin as well as related factors. Material and methods: The present was a crosssectional study conducted at the «Metrosalud» hospital network.The study was composed of 342 adult patients ≥ 65 years, (57.8% females) Variables: Socio-demographical and social support (Duke- 11); Self-perceived stress, mental health, self-perceived general health, satisfaction with respect to dental circumstances, self-perceived oralhealth, oral problems (previous 30 days), number of teeth present, presence of prostheses (upper/lower), Helkimo Anamnestic Index and clinical assessment. Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders- Helkimo Anamnestic Index was assessed with respect to health and socio-demographic variables, temporomandibular joint disorders was assessed according to clinical evaluation. Association between temporomandibular joint disorders-Helkimo Anamnestic Index and health indicators was evaluated as well as clinical temporomandibular joint disorders by means of logistic regression calculating crude and adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% (CI95%) confi dence intervals. Results: Prevalence of severe symptoms was higher in males (32%), females exhibited higher prevalence of mild symptoms (18.8%); differences were found according to socio-demographic factors. Subjects reporting symptoms tended to report higher prevalence of poor oral and general health indicators. Higher association was found for patients with dental problems in the previous 30 days. (aOR 3.57; CI95% 1.80-7.08) in the case of women and, for men, the indicator was poor mental health (aOR 2.83; CI95% 1.31-6.09) Even though females exhibited greater risk of reporting TMJ related problems (except for the presence of articular noises) no statistical signifi cant associations were found. Conclusions: Further epidemiological surveillance systems are required in order to suitably and clearly establish associations found in the present study.