The associations between work-related factors and temporomandibular disorders among female full-time employees: findings from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007-2009)

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between work-related factors and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among female full-time employees using representative data from a national population-based survey.

Methods: Data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007-2009) were used to analyze 1,612 women. Complex samples logistic regression was applied for adjusting for general characteristics and work-related factors to examine the association between work-related factors and TMD.

Results: The prevalence of TMD was 12.8% in this study population. With respect to age, educational status, marital status, problem drinking, exercise, and stress, there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of TMD. In logistic regression analyses on complex samples, based on 40 h or less per week, odds ratios (ORs) for respondents who worked 40-48 working hours, 49-60 working hours, and more than 60 h were 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-1.94), 1.41 (95% CI 0.79-2.54), and 2.43 (95% CI 1.29-4.59), after adjusting for general characteristics, working schedule, employment status, and occupation.

Conclusions: This study found that long working hours were significantly associated with TMD in Korean female full-time employees.