Incidence of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the jaw joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Undergraduate students represent a high-risk group due to psychosocial stressors, irregular sleep patterns, and parafunctional habits such as bruxism. This descriptive cross-sectional study estimates the incidence and symptom pattern of TMDs among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in the South East geopolitical zone. Using a validated Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and clinical examination, 410 randomly selected students were assessed for presence of TMD symptoms, jaw pain, clicking, locking, and limitation of mouth opening. Psychological stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Results reveal that 34.6% of students screened positive for at least one TMD symptom, with jaw pain on mastication and temporomandibular joint clicking being the most frequent complaints. Female students and final-year students reported significantly higher symptom scores, correlating with elevated stress levels during examination periods. Most affected students had not sought any form of care for their symptoms. The study recommends the incorporation of TMD screening into university health service protocols and the development of stress management programs for students in high-pressure academic environments in the South East zone. Keywords: temporomandibular joint disorders, undergraduate students, bruxism, stress, Awka.