Psychometric properties of the four-dimension impact framework for assessing temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND

A four-dimensional impact framework has been recommended for evaluating oral conditions.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the reliability and validity of the four-dimensional structure for the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP-TMD).

METHODS

902 TMD patients were grouped into non-painful intra-articular, pain-related, and combined TMDs for comparisons. Participants completed socio-demographic surveys, DC/TMD Axis II tools, and OHIP-TMD.

RESULTS

All dimensions showed good reliability (α: Di1 = 0.814, Di2 = 0.736, Di3 = 0.755, Di4 = 0.935). Di3 (orofacial appearance) and Di1 (oral function) were notably more impacted than Di2 (orofacial pain) and Di4 (psychosocial impact) across subgroups. Moderate-to-strong correlations were identified between Di1-jaw functional limitation, Di2-current/worst pain, Di3-anxiety, and Di4-depression/anxiety (rs = 0.51-0.70). The strongest dimension-domain correlations included Di1-functional limitation, Di2-physical pain, Di3-psychological discomfort, and Di4-psychological disability(rs = 0.88-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

The four-dimensional impact framework for the OHIP-TMD demonstrates good reliability and validity, offering valuable insights into how TMDs affect the well-being and daily functioning of patients.