Temporomandibular Disorder in Domestic Waste Collectors: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among waste collectors, yet the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) assessment within this group remains overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study examined TMD in domestic waste collectors and its association with their work.

METHODS

The study involved 288 adult men from a waste collection corporation, with 130 working in domestic solid waste collection (operational workers) and 158 in other roles (controls). TMD severity was assessed through inquiries about signs and symptoms. Missing teeth were clinically evaluated. Socio-demographic data, employment history, psychosocial factors, and severity of TMD were collected using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

TMD was diagnosed in 47% of the operational workers, and the most reported TMD factors were self-perception of being a tense person (52.3%) and parafunctional habits (40.0%). In the whole sample, moderate/severe TMD was associated with alcohol dependence (OR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.10-11.25, p = 0.03), and mild TMD was associated with parafunctional habits (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.99-5.67, p < 0.001) and psychosocial factors (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 2.17-6.25, p < 0.001). In operational workers, moderate/severe TMD was associated with alcohol dependence (OR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.00-23.81, p = 0.05), and mild TMD was associated with age (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.02-6.70, p = 0.05), psychosocial (OR = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.76-11.05, p = 0.002) and parafunctional (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 2.17-12.19, p < 0.001) factors.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of domestic waste collectors, moderate to severe TMD correlated with alcohol dependence, whereas mild TMD showed associations with age, psychosocial factors, and parafunctional habits. However, TMD did not exhibit a direct association with domestic waste-collecting work. Thus, addressing physical and mental health concerns within this occupational cohort may enhance overall well-being.