SMARTPHONE USE, PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS, AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract: Background: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are a leading cause of non-dental orofacial pain, with a multifactorial etiology increasingly linked to modern lifestyle factors. Psychosocial stress, excessive smartphone use, and poor posture are hypothesized to contribute significantly to TMD symptoms, particularly among young adults. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported stress, smartphone usage patterns, and TMD symptoms in a sample of young adults. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 48 participants aged 18–25 years. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), a smartphone usage and posture survey, and Fonseca’s Anamnestic Index (FAI) for TMD symptom classification. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28.0). Results: A significant positive correlation was found between perceived stress levels (PSS-4 scores) and the severity of TMD symptoms (FAI scores) (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Participants who reported predominant smartphone use in a "Looking down (head flexed)" posture demonstrated significantly higher FAI scores (p < 0.05) compared to those with a neutral posture. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between daily smartphone usage duration and increased TMD symptom severity (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant association between self-reported psychosocial stress, prolonged smartphone use, poor posture, and the prevalence of TMD symptoms in young adults. This supports the biopsychosocial model of TMD etiology and highlights the potential impact of modern lifestyle factors on musculoskeletal health. Further research with larger, representative samples is recommended to confirm these preliminary results.