Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders among Telemarketers: A Cross-sectional Study on Occupational Factors

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.