Work ability impairment in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction

Introduction/Objective. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is followed by orofacial pain and psychological problems that influence patients’ quality of life and work ability. Hypothesis: work ability is affected by psychosocial status changes following temporomandibular dysfunction. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impairment of Work ability in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Methods. Forty-four patients with TMD were admitted to the Clinic for Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. Patients were treated with medication therapy with ibuprofen, ibuprofen and diazepam, or a stabilizing maxillary occlusal splint. Clinical and functional assessment was based on the diagnostic protocol Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. The study protocol was composed of data on clinical signs, a numerical pain scale and VAS, and a work ability-related questionnaire (Symptoms Check List, SCL-90R). The statistical software package SPSS for Windows (18.0) was used for data processing. Univariate regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of each factor individually, while multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the factors of difference. Results. A statistically significant difference was not recorded in work ability, social life, and daily activities in patients regardless of the chosen therapeutic approach. There was a statistically significant difference in work ability between respondents in relation to psychosocial status (p = 0.002). Univariate regression analysis showed significant values assessing work ability, social life, and daily activities (0.010*, 0.001*, 0.029*) respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, the assessment of social life was significant (p = 0.028). Conclusion. Work ability is influenced by temporomandibular dysfunction proportionally to the level of psychosocial status.