Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are musculoskeletal conditions affecting the jaw, face, and temporal regions, significantly impacting quality of life and well‐being. While extensively studied in high‐income countries, limited data exist on their prevalence and associated factors in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted as per Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to determine the prevalence and incidence of TMDs in LMICs and explore their association with demographic factors (age, gender) and psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress). A comprehensive search of multiple databases and gray literature identified 444 articles, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis included meta‐analysis to estimate pooled prevalence rates and assess demographic and psychosocial associations. The seven studies included a total of 21,761 participants. The pooled prevalence of TMDs was 6% (95% CI: 5.5–6.5%). TMD prevalence was higher among females and young adults, with a decline in older populations. One study identified significant associations between TMDs and psychological factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety, highlighting the multifactorial nature of the condition. Our findings concluded that TMDs are a significant health concern in LMICs, with prevalence rates comparable to global averages and underscore the influence of demographic and psychological factors on TMDs, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate these relationships. Enhanced understanding of TMD epidemiology in LMICs can inform targeted interventions, improve diagnostic and treatment approaches, and support the development of prevention strategies.
Moldoveanu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.