CORRELATION BETWEEN SMARTPHONE OVERUSE AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of smartphones among young adults has raised growing concerns regarding its impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Postural strain, stress, and repetitive mandibular activity associated with prolonged smartphone use may predispose individuals to TMJ dysfunction. Despite global evidence, limited data exist from Pakistan examining this emerging health concern.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between smartphone overuse and temporomandibular joint disorders among university students in Pakistan, identifying behavioral and ergonomic factors contributing to TMD prevalence.

 METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from February to September 2023 across universities in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. A total of 440 students aged 18–30 years were included using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) to assess smartphone dependency and the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) to determine TMJ dysfunction severity. Clinical assessments of a subset of participants (n=100) were performed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, applying Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, with significance set at p<0.05.

 RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD symptoms was 65.9%, with 38.9% mild, 21.8% moderate, and 5.2% severe dysfunction. A significant positive correlation was found between smartphone addiction and TMD severity (r=0.42, p<0.001). Participants using smartphones for more than six hours daily exhibited the highest FAI scores (53.2 ± 10.9). Regression analysis identified smartphone usage duration (β=0.36, p<0.001) and addiction score (β=0.28, p=0.002) as significant predictors of TMD severity.

CONCLUSION: Excessive smartphone use is a key behavioral risk factor for temporomandibular joint dysfunction among university students. Incorporating ergonomic awareness, digital hygiene education, and early screening into student health programs could reduce the growing burden of TMD in young adults.

 KEY TERMS: Addictive Behavior, Cross-Sectional Studies, Ergonomics, Posture, Smartphone, Students, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders