Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders among Telemarketers: A Cross-sectional Study on Occupational Factors
Alcylene Carla de Jesus dos Santos
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
Maria Isabel Pereira Vianna
Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
Laís Silva Ferreira
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
Fabiana Alves da Silva Xavier
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
Cid Andre Fidelis De Paula Gomes
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
Fabiano Politti
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez *
Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brasil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) among telemarketers and identify factors associated with its occurrence, particularly those related to occupational conditions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 telemarketers from a call center in Brazil, utilizing interviews and physical examinations. Clinical, socio-demographic, occupational, and psychosocial aspects, including the Job content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), were assessed. Signs, symptoms, and severity of TMD were determined using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) scale and the Temporomandibular Index (TMI), respectively. Descriptive analysis was performed, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as the criterion for identifying the associations.
Results: The prevalence of TMD among telemarketers was 40.50%, with low severity (IMR=0.08±0.02). Positive associations were found between TMD and length of service exceeding seven months (adjusted OR= 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1- 4.0), an average of more than 82 calls per day (adjusted OR= 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1- 3.9), and a high-stress level (adjusted OR= 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1- 4.4).
Conclusion: This study concludes that the prevalence of TMD among telemarketers in Brazil is 40.5%. The findings suggest an association between TMD and occupational factors such as prolonged job tenure, high daily call volume, and elevated stress levels in the studied population.
Keywords: Temporomandibular dysfunction, TMD, telemarketing, occupational health, call center