Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the management of temporomandibular joint disorders: a multicenter, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are common yet often underdiagnosed conditions requiring appropriate management by healthcare professionals. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for improving patient care. This study aims to evaluate healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and their management strategies.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted on healthcare professionals across hospitals and clinics in Zhejiang Province between November and December 2024. A structured, validated questionnaire was designed to assess demographic characteristics and KAP scores.

RESULTS

Of the 532 valid questionnaires obtained (valid rate: 96.73%), 417 participants (78.38%) were medical doctors. Among respondents, 287 (53.95%) reported prior experience managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cases. Mean KAP scores were as follows: knowledge, 22.64 ± 10.11 (possible range: 0–38); attitude, 26.92 ± 3.09 (possible range: 6–30); and practice, 36.97 ± 6.15 (possible range: 9–45). Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.327, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.455, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.622, P < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed knowledge directly influenced attitude (β = 0.113, P = 0.018) and practice (β = 0.164, P = 0.019), while attitude also directly influenced practice (β = 1.064, P = 0.007). Additionally, knowledge indirectly affected practice through attitude (β = 0.120, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals exhibited insufficient knowledge but generally positive attitudes and practices toward TMD management. Targeted educational interventions could significantly improve their knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices in managing these disorders. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.