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Patients' perceived treatment need owing to temporomandibular disorders and perceptions of related treatment in
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund1, Anna Näsström2, Anders Wänman2
1Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Background:
To easily identify patients who could benefit from a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) examination, three screening questions (3Q/TMD) have been introduced in large parts of Sweden. The questions are related to a TMD diagnosis. However, how the questions relate to a treatment need is unknown.
Objectives:
The first aim of the study was to identify predicting factors for perceived treatment need among adult individuals who screened positive to the 3Q/TMD. The second aim was to explore individuals' thoughts and experiences related to treatment of their TMD complaint.
Methods:
This mixed-method study with a case-control design was conducted in Västerbotten, Sweden, during 2014. Individuals who screened positive to at least one of the 3Q/TMD questions were allocated 3Q-positives, whereas those with negative answers to all questions were allocated 3Q-negatives. In total, 300 individuals (140 randomly selected 3Q-positives, and 160 age- and gender-matched 3Q-negatives) were included. All individuals answered questions related to treatment need. The answers were analysed in a qualitative approach with qualitative content analysis.
Results:
In total, 81% of 3Q-positives expressed a treatment need related to their TMD symptoms. The perceived treatment need was predicted by frequent pain (Q1) and frequent functional disturbances (Q3). Among the 3Q-positives, 54% reported mistrust in dentists' ability to treat TMD symptoms. The informants expressed a need for information about their symptoms and possible treatment options.
Conclusion:
Affirmative answers to 3Q/TMD were associated with TMD treatment need. Dentists should give advice to patients with TMD symptoms and address their concerns.
