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Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on pain and oral health-related quality of life in women with temporomandibular disorder

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate and compare pain intensity and Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) before (T1) and during (T2) COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

Sample was composed of forty-one female participants with painful TMD, who presented for TMD treatment. Subjects were asked to indicate their pain intensity and to answer the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Participants data were collected twice: T1 (evaluation of medical records fulfilled before COVID-19 pandemic) and T2 (by means of an online form). Socio-demographic data were assessed in T1. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 5% (Wilcoxon, chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, multiple linear regressions).

Results:

No difference was found in pain intensity (p=0.26) and OHIP-14 global scores (p=0.53). Physical pain (p=0.03) and social disability (p=0.05) domains improved. In T1, subject’s occupation was associated with OHIP-14 global score, physical pain, and physical disability domains. In T2, age was associated with OHIP-14 global scores as well as physical pain, psychological discomfort, and psychological disability domains.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 pandemic did not worsen pain intensity and OHRQoL in women with painful TMD, and it is suggested that socio-demographic characteristics influenced TMD patients coping skills during pandemic.

Keywords:
Coronavirus; Quality of life; Facial pain

RESUMO

Objetivo:

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar e comparar a intensidade da dor e a Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde Bucal (QVRSB) de mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), antes (T1) e durante (T2) a pandemia de COVID-19.

Métodos:

A amostra foi composta por quarenta e uma mulheres com DTM dolorosa, que se apresentaram para manejo da DTM. As participantes informaram a intensidade da dor por meio de escala numérica, e responderam ao questionário Perfil de Impacto na Saúde Oral - 14 (Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP-14). Os dados das participantes foram coletados duas vezes: T1 (avaliação de prontuários odontológicos preenchidos previamente à pandemia de COVID-19) e T2 (por meio de formulário on-line). Dados sociodemográficos foram coletados em T1. A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância de 5% (testes de Wilcoxon, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, e regressões lineares múltiplas).

Resultados:

Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada para a intensidade da dor (p = 0,26) e o escore global do OHIP-14 (p = 0,53). Os domínios relativos à dor física (p = 0,03) e incapacidade social (p = 0,05) melhoraram. Em T1, a ocupação das participantes foi associada ao escore global do OHIP-14 e aos domínios de dor e incapacidade física. Em T2, a idade foi associada aos escores globais do OHIP-14, bem como aos domínios dor física, desconforto psicológico e incapacidade psicológica.

Conclusão:

A pandemia de COVID-19 não piorou a sensibilidade à dor e a QVRSB das mulheres com DTM dolorosa, e as características sociodemográficas influenciaram suas habilidades de enfrentamento.

Palavras-chave:
Coronavírus; Qualidade de vida; Dor facial

INTRODUCTION

On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization China Country Office11 World Health Organization. Timeline of WHO's response to COVID-19. 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-06-2020-covidtimeline
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-...
was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology detected in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Later, the disease was confirmed to be caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and was designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On March 11, 2020, it reached the level of a pandemic, affecting countries across the world.¹ Due to its high contagion potential,22 Ornell F, Schuch JB, Sordi AO, Kessler FHP. "Pandemic fear" and COVID-19: mental health burden and strategies. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):232-5. public health measures such as social isolation and quarantine were implemented to minimize the virus transmission.33 Ferguson NM, Laydon D, Nedjati-Gilani G, Imai N, Ainslie K, Baguelin M, et al. Report 13: Estimating the number of infections and the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 in 11 European countries. 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mrc-global-infectious-disease-analysis/covid-19/report-13-europe-npi-impact/
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mrc-global-in...

While the scientific community is focusing mainly on COVID-19 prevention and treatment,22 Ornell F, Schuch JB, Sordi AO, Kessler FHP. "Pandemic fear" and COVID-19: mental health burden and strategies. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):232-5.,44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874. several psychological and emotional issues are being underestimated11 World Health Organization. Timeline of WHO's response to COVID-19. 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-06-2020-covidtimeline
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-...
,44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874. and those may last longer than the disease itself.22 Ornell F, Schuch JB, Sordi AO, Kessler FHP. "Pandemic fear" and COVID-19: mental health burden and strategies. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):232-5. Individual and community psychosocial impacts associated with a pandemic include fear,55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7.,66 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.,77 Shah K, Kamrai D, Mekala H, Mann B, Desai K, Patel RS. Focus on mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: applying learnings from the past outbreaks. Cureus. 2020 Mar;12(3):e7405. anxiety,44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874.

5 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7.

6 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.

7 Shah K, Kamrai D, Mekala H, Mann B, Desai K, Patel RS. Focus on mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: applying learnings from the past outbreaks. Cureus. 2020 Mar;12(3):e7405.

8 Liu X, Luo WT, Li Y, Li CN, Hong ZS, Chen HL, et al. Psychological status and behavior changes of the public during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Infect Dis Poverty. 2020 May;9(1):58.

9 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165.

10 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Ho CS, et al. Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(5):1729.
-1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8. depression,55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7.,88 Liu X, Luo WT, Li Y, Li CN, Hong ZS, Chen HL, et al. Psychological status and behavior changes of the public during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Infect Dis Poverty. 2020 May;9(1):58.

9 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165.

10 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Ho CS, et al. Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(5):1729.
-1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8. panic,66 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.,88 Liu X, Luo WT, Li Y, Li CN, Hong ZS, Chen HL, et al. Psychological status and behavior changes of the public during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Infect Dis Poverty. 2020 May;9(1):58.,1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8. stress,55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7.,66 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.,99 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165.

10 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Ho CS, et al. Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(5):1729.
-1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8. and episodes of post-traumatic stress.77 Shah K, Kamrai D, Mekala H, Mann B, Desai K, Patel RS. Focus on mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: applying learnings from the past outbreaks. Cureus. 2020 Mar;12(3):e7405.,1212 Liang L, Ren H, Cao R, Hu Y, Qin Z, Li C, et al. The effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health. Psychiatr Q. 2020 Sep;91(3):841-52. However, up to the date of this study, studies investigating the impact of the pandemic on quality of life are lacking.1313 Zhang Y, Ma ZF. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life among local residents in Liaoning Province, China: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(7):2381.

Psychological factors are directly related to chronic painful conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic has many characteristics that could potentially worsen these conditions.55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder resulting in pain and disability, and causes a significant impact on the individual as well as society, due to loss of productivity and increased number of consultations required for diagnosis and patient care.1414 Slade G, Durham J. Prevalence, impact, and costs of treatment for temporomandibular disorders. In: Yost O, Liverman CT, English R, editors. Temporomandibular disorders: priorities for research and care. Washington: The National Academies Press; 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557996/

TMD patients suffer from various types of psychosocial distress, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.1515 Bertoli E, de Leeuw R. Prevalence of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety in chronic temporomandibular disorder patients. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2016;30(4):296-301. Particularly in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, special attention must be given to vulnerable patient groups - not only those susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, but also to those mentally unstable.

Individuals with TMD also present impaired oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).1616 Dahlström L, Carlsson GE. Temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand. 2010 Mar;68(2):80-5.

17 Bayat M, Abbasi AJ, Noorbala AA, Mohebbi SZ, Moharrami M, Yekaninejad MS. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study considering psychological aspects. Int J Dent Hyg. 2018 Feb;16(1):165-70.

18 Almoznino G, Zini A, Zakuto A, Sharav Y, Haviv Y, Hadad A, et al. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015;29(3):231-41.
-1919 Slade GD, Nuttall N, Sanders AE, Steele JG, Allen PF, Lahti S. Impacts of oral disorders in the United Kingdom and Australia. Br Dent J. 2005 Apr;198(8):489-93. OHRQoL is a conceptual model targeting the individual’s perception of oral health.1818 Almoznino G, Zini A, Zakuto A, Sharav Y, Haviv Y, Hadad A, et al. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015;29(3):231-41. It brings together the multidimensional character of symptoms, perceptions, and functional capacity.1616 Dahlström L, Carlsson GE. Temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand. 2010 Mar;68(2):80-5. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is the most widely used instrument for measuring OHRQoL,16 and when compared to healthy individuals, patients with TMD present worse scores related to physical pain, discomfort, and psychological disabilities.1818 Almoznino G, Zini A, Zakuto A, Sharav Y, Haviv Y, Hadad A, et al. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015;29(3):231-41.

Mental health can be defined by how individuals think and feel about themselves and their life, and it affects how an individual copes and manages in times of adversity. Physical and mental health are closely related, as they affect each other directly or indirectly.2020 Mental Health Foundation. What works for you? London: MHF; 2008 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/what-works-you Most mental health studies on COVID-19 focus on general population;44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874.,66 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.,88 Liu X, Luo WT, Li Y, Li CN, Hong ZS, Chen HL, et al. Psychological status and behavior changes of the public during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Infect Dis Poverty. 2020 May;9(1):58.

9 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165.

10 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Ho CS, et al. Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(5):1729.

11 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8.
-1212 Liang L, Ren H, Cao R, Hu Y, Qin Z, Li C, et al. The effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health. Psychiatr Q. 2020 Sep;91(3):841-52.,1313 Zhang Y, Ma ZF. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life among local residents in Liaoning Province, China: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(7):2381. however, psychological and behavioral changes due to the pandemic reveals the need for studies within specific populations, such as those with painful conditions. Therefore, due to the already established association between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychosocial impairment,22 Ornell F, Schuch JB, Sordi AO, Kessler FHP. "Pandemic fear" and COVID-19: mental health burden and strategies. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):232-5.,44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874.,55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7.,1010 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Ho CS, et al. Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(5):1729.,1212 Liang L, Ren H, Cao R, Hu Y, Qin Z, Li C, et al. The effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health. Psychiatr Q. 2020 Sep;91(3):841-52. and the role of these in TMD worsening and perpetuation,1414 Slade G, Durham J. Prevalence, impact, and costs of treatment for temporomandibular disorders. In: Yost O, Liverman CT, English R, editors. Temporomandibular disorders: priorities for research and care. Washington: The National Academies Press; 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557996/

15 Bertoli E, de Leeuw R. Prevalence of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety in chronic temporomandibular disorder patients. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2016;30(4):296-301.

16 Dahlström L, Carlsson GE. Temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand. 2010 Mar;68(2):80-5.

17 Bayat M, Abbasi AJ, Noorbala AA, Mohebbi SZ, Moharrami M, Yekaninejad MS. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study considering psychological aspects. Int J Dent Hyg. 2018 Feb;16(1):165-70.
-1818 Almoznino G, Zini A, Zakuto A, Sharav Y, Haviv Y, Hadad A, et al. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015;29(3):231-41. this longitudinal study aimed to evaluate and compare pain intensity and OHRQoL of women with TMD before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study approved by Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal do Ceará (CAAE 11863019.6.0000.5054). Subjects were recruited among those seeking for TMD treatment at Federal University of Ceará, in 2019. Eligible participants were women living in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil) during pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, aged between 18 and 55 years old, alphabetized, presenting Internet access, and diagnosed with at least one painful TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Exclusion criteria were presence of other chronic painful disorders, licit or illicit drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and cognitive impairment. All participants read and signed the informed consent form before entering the study.

OUTCOME VARIABLES

Participants data were collected twice: T1 (through evaluation of medical records fulfilled before COVID-19 pandemic, from August 1st to November 30, 2019) and T2 (by means of an online form, Google Form Survey, sent by e-mail and fulfilled during COVID-19 pandemic, from April 24 to May 1st, 2020). Subjects were asked to indicate their pain intensity in an eleven-point Numeric Scale (NS) ranging from “0” (“no pain”) to 10 (“worst pain imaginable”), and to answer the Portuguese version of OHIP-14 form.2121 Oliveira BH, Nadanovsky P. Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-short form. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2005 Aug;33(4):307-14. OHIP-14 consists of 14 items including seven conceptual domains (2 items each) of OHRQoL: functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap. For each item, subjects were asked to answer how frequently they had adverse impacts caused by TMD during the previous month, according to a 5-point ordinal scale, being: 0 = never, 1 = hardly ever, 2 = occasionally, 3 = fairly often, and 4 = very often. The obtained scores were used to calculate severity of OHRQoL impairment.1919 Slade GD, Nuttall N, Sanders AE, Steele JG, Allen PF, Lahti S. Impacts of oral disorders in the United Kingdom and Australia. Br Dent J. 2005 Apr;198(8):489-93. Severity was characterized by the OHIP-14 global score, with a potential range of 0 (no adverse impacts) to 56 (all 14 impacts experienced very often). OHIP-14 domains were calculated by summing the response scores for the two corresponding items.1818 Almoznino G, Zini A, Zakuto A, Sharav Y, Haviv Y, Hadad A, et al. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015;29(3):231-41. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed in T1 (age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, family income, and occupation) and T2 (occupation during pandemic).

POWER ANALYSIS OF THE SAMPLE

As this study used a convenience sample, the post-hoc power analysis was performed using the G Power software v. 3.1.9.2 (Faz Faul, Kiel University, Germany). Considering the difference of the mean and the standard deviation calculated between T1 and T2 for all parameters evaluated and a significance level (α) of 0.05, it was obtained a test’s power of 0.84.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Data were collected by a single operator and presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the quantitative variables, and percentage for the qualitative variables. The normality of the data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was applied to compare OHIP-14 global score, OHIP-14 individual domains and the NS scores obtained in T1 and T2. Socio-demographic and clinical factors were assessed by the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Multiple linear regressions analyses were performed to clarify the association of socio-demographic and clinical factors on OHIP-14 severity before and during pandemic. All analyses were performed using SPSS software v. 24.0 (IBM, Corp., Armonk, NY) with a α=0.05.

RESULTS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

294 female volunteers were evaluated, from which 61 subjects were confirmed for eligibility and included in the study. Data from all subjects were collected in T1, and 41 completed the follow-up (T2) (67.2% response rate of online form). From those who did not complete the study, reasons were as follows: loss of contact = 7; refused to participate = 8; agreed to participate, but did not answer the questionnaire = 6. Participants mean age (T1) was 26.83 ± 7.54 years. Most participants were aged less than 30 years, were white, single, with a high school educational formation, and no occupation during pandemic. A detailed description of socio-demographic characteristics is presented in Table 1.

Table 1:
Sample characterization.

The regional evolution of COVID-19 pandemic from January 1st to June 26th, 2020, as well as the period of subject’s second evaluation (T2) are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1:
Regional trend of COVID-19 pandemic in Ceará, Brazil, from January 1 to June 25, 2020.

OUTCOME VARIABLES

According to the NS, there was no difference in pain intensity between evaluations (T1=5.95 ± 1.78; T2=5.42 ± 2.62; p=0.26). The OHIP-14 global and domains scores are presented in Table 2. No difference in OHIP-14 global score was found (p=0.53), however, scores related to physical pain (p=0.03) and social disability (0.05) decreased, and scores related to functional limitation increased (p=0.02).

Table 2:
Mean Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) global and domain scores before (T1) and during (T2) COVID-19 pandemic.

Tables 3 and 4 show the results regarding the multiple linear regressions for the periods before (T1) and during (T2) pandemic, respectively. In T1, subject’s occupation was associated with OHIP-14 global score, physical pain, and physical disability domains (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the combination of family income and marital status showed a significant association with handicap domain (p<0.05).

Table 3:
Multiple linear regression of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores before COVID-19 pandemic (T1) according to socio-demographic characteristics.
Table 4:
Multiple linear regression of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores during COVID-19 pandemic (T2), according to socio-demographic characteristics.

In T2, subject’s age was associated with OHIP-14 global scores, as well as with the individual domains physical pain, psychological discomfort, social disability, and psychological disability (p<0.05). Subjects over 30 years of age presented worse OHRQoL (R values ranged from 0.33 to 0.49). Furthermore, marital status was associated with functional limitation (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

This study aimed to evaluate and compare pain intensity and OHRQoL of women with painful TMD before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The influence of socio-demographic factors in OHRQoL was also assessed. Furthermore, unlike several studies evaluating psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic,44 Varshney M, Parel JT, Raizada N, Sarin SK. Initial psychological impact of COVID-19 and its correlates in Indian Community: an online (FEEL-COVID) survey. PLoS One. 2020 May;15(5):e0233874.,66 Balkhi F, Nasir A, Zehra A, Riaz R. Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Cureus. 2020 May;12(5):e7923.,88 Liu X, Luo WT, Li Y, Li CN, Hong ZS, Chen HL, et al. Psychological status and behavior changes of the public during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Infect Dis Poverty. 2020 May;9(1):58.,1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8.,1212 Liang L, Ren H, Cao R, Hu Y, Qin Z, Li C, et al. The effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health. Psychiatr Q. 2020 Sep;91(3):841-52. the present study reported a pre-pandemic baseline data. No difference was found in pain intensity and OHIP-14 global scores, and physical pain and social disability individual domains improved. Before and during pandemic, OHIP-14 global scores and individual domains were distinctly associated with socio-demographic characteristics. Before pandemic, subject’s occupation was associated with OHIP-14 global score, physical pain, and physical disability domains. The handicap domain was associated with a combination of both family income and marital status. On the other hand, during pandemic, age was associated with OHIP-14 global scores as well as with individual domains: physical pain, psychological discomfort, social disability and psychological disability. Lastly, marital status influenced functional limitation domain.

According to Almeida-Leite et al,2222 Almeida-Leite CM, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Conti PCR. How psychosocial and economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic can interfere on bruxism and temporomandibular disorders? J Appl Oral Sci. 2020;28:e20200263. it could be expected that psychological factors associated to the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to greater risk of developing, worsening, and perpetuating TMD, especially due to the already established influence of those factors on patients pain and somatization.2323 Canales GT, Guarda-Nardini L, Rizzatti-Barbosa CM, Conti PC, Manfredini D. Distribution of depression, somatization and pain-related impairment in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders. J Appl Oral Sci. 2019;27:e20180210. Reduced accessibility to regular medical care during the social isolation due to pandemic should also be pointed out as a risk factor for the worsening of painful disorders.55 Clauw DJ, Häuser W, Cohen SP, Fitzcharles MA. Considering the potential for an increase in chronic pain after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pain. 2020 Aug;161(8):1694-7. In the present study, however, conflicting results were found, since subject’s pain intensity and OHRQoL were similar before and during pandemic, and scores of OHIP-14 physical pain domain improved. Findings presented here suggest substantial need to consider socio-demographic characteristics when dealing with TMD patients.

In the present study, all participants were engaged in a regular occupational activity before the COVID-19 pandemic. Work-related factors, such as occupation2424 Bragatto MM, Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Regalo SC, Sousa JD, Chaves TC. Associations among temporomandibular disorders, chronic neck pain and neck pain disability in computer office workers: a pilot study. J Oral Rehabil. 2016 May;43(5):321-32.,2525 Emodi Perelman A, Eli I, Rubin PF, Greenbaum T, Heiliczer S, Winocur E. Occupation as a potential contributing factor for temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and cervical muscle pain: a controlled comparative study. Eur J Oral Sci. 2015 Oct;123(5):356-61. and working-hours2626 Han W, Kwon SC, Lee YJ, Park C, Jang EC. 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). Ann Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jun;30:42. have been related to TMD. Professions such as computer office workers2424 Bragatto MM, Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Regalo SC, Sousa JD, Chaves TC. Associations among temporomandibular disorders, chronic neck pain and neck pain disability in computer office workers: a pilot study. J Oral Rehabil. 2016 May;43(5):321-32.,2525 Emodi Perelman A, Eli I, Rubin PF, Greenbaum T, Heiliczer S, Winocur E. Occupation as a potential contributing factor for temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and cervical muscle pain: a controlled comparative study. Eur J Oral Sci. 2015 Oct;123(5):356-61. and dentists2525 Emodi Perelman A, Eli I, Rubin PF, Greenbaum T, Heiliczer S, Winocur E. Occupation as a potential contributing factor for temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and cervical muscle pain: a controlled comparative study. Eur J Oral Sci. 2015 Oct;123(5):356-61. show increased risk of developing TMD. In a previous study, the risk of TMD was found to be higher among women working more than 60h per week than among those working less than 40h per week, after adjusting for the general characteristics and work-related factors.2626 Han W, Kwon SC, Lee YJ, Park C, Jang EC. 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). Ann Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jun;30:42. Also, TMD prevalence rate was higher for workers who perceived stress a lot.2626 Han W, Kwon SC, Lee YJ, Park C, Jang EC. 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). Ann Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jun;30:42. Long-working hours have also been related to anxiety and depression,2727 Virtanen M, Ferrie JE, Singh-Manoux A, Shipley MJ, Stansfeld SA, Marmot MG, et al. Long working hours and symptoms of anxiety and depression: a 5-year follow-up of the Whitehall II study. Psychol Med. 2011 Dec;41(12):2485-94. and it may be assumed that mental and physical stress arising from long working-hours may affect TMD patients.2626 Han W, Kwon SC, Lee YJ, Park C, Jang EC. 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). Ann Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jun;30:42. During pandemic, most subjects (61%) were presenting no occupation. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic found, among other factors, higher levels of stress were associated with having to leave one’s domicile for work.99 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165. Therefore, staying in a safe place, as home, may have been a protective factor for most subjects of the present study, since perceived stress is also a risk factor for TMD.2828 Slade GD, Diatchenko L, Bhalang K, Sigurdsson A, Fillingim RB, Belfer I, et al. Influence of psychological factors on risk of temporomandibular disorders. J Dent Res. 2007 Nov;86(11):1120-5. Perhaps, the reduction of occupational activity, and reduced need of being productive in the work place, may have improved physical pain and social disability domains, and prevented subjects from TMD worsening.

According to a systematic review, the most often-affected OHIP domains in TMD patients are those evaluating psychological discomfort and disability, while social disability and handicap are the least often affected.1616 Dahlström L, Carlsson GE. Temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand. 2010 Mar;68(2):80-5. Although social isolation and quarantine were considered to cause a negative impact on many aspects of people’s lives,99 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165. in the present study, the social disability domain improved during pandemic. A previous study conducted among the general population living in Jinzhou, Lianing Province, China, found that during pandemic, the majority of participants reported receiving increased social support from family and friends and increased caring for family members, especially those aged between 18-40 years.1313 Zhang Y, Ma ZF. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life among local residents in Liaoning Province, China: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar;17(7):2381. In the present study those variables were note analyzed, however, the quarantine and the pandemic itself may have given opportunity for people to support and care for each other.

In the present study, participants were categorized into two age groups, and the cut-off point was set at 30 years.1717 Bayat M, Abbasi AJ, Noorbala AA, Mohebbi SZ, Moharrami M, Yekaninejad MS. Oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study considering psychological aspects. Int J Dent Hyg. 2018 Feb;16(1):165-70. During pandemic, age was associated to OHIP-14 global scores as well as for physical pain, psychological discomfort, and psychological disability individual domains. According to the literature, young adults (aged 18-30 years) and older adults (over 60 years) exhibited highest levels of psychological distress during pandemic.1111 Wang C, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, McIntyre RS, et al. A longitudinal study on the mental health of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:40-8. It was suggested that greater psychological distress in younger population might have occurred due to greater access to information through social media, which can easily trigger stress.99 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165. Here, the presence of comorbidities was not assessed, but individuals presenting 30-years or more includes those that are more likely to present comorbidities that increases COVID-19 patient’s risk, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cerebrovascular disease.2929 Wang B, Li R, Lu Z, Huang Y. Does comorbidity increase the risk of patients with COVID-19: evidence from meta-analysis. Aging. 2020 Apr;12(7):6049-57. Also, in Brazil, the most affected age group was 30-39 years,3030 Secretaria da Saúde do Ceará. Integra SUS: Novo Corona Vírus (COVID-19). 2020 [Access 12 July 2020]. Available from: https://indicadores.integrasus.saude.ce.gov.br/indicadores/indicadores-coronavirus
https://indicadores.integrasus.saude.ce....
therefore, the fear of infection may have impacted OHRQoL related to TMD of subjects over 30 years-old.

This study presents some limitations, such as small sample size and the convenience sampling method. Additionally, online form application is restricted to those with Internet access, and selection bias may have occurred. Possibly, answering the online form during pandemic was restricted to those who suffered modest socioeconomic and emotional impact. Also, although socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were collected at baseline, only information regarding changes in occupation was collected during pandemic, which may have influenced the findings. Therefore, results presented here should not be generalized. Variables, such as if subjects were quarantined with family or alone, use of social media, amount of health information, subjects who were infected by COVID-19, deaths among loved ones, history of medical problems99 Mazza C, Ricci E, Biondi S, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, et al. A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Italian people during the COVID-19 pandemic: immediate psychological responses and associated factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May;17(9):3165. were not assessed. In addition, variables known to influence TMD pain, such as physical activity and sleep quality were not evaluated.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic did not worsen pain intensity and OHRQoL in women with painful TMD, and it is suggested that socio-demographic characteristics influenced TMD patients coping skills during pandemic. More studies in the context of a biopsychosocial model during and after the pandemic are needed to better elucidate its impact on TMD patients pain severity and OHRQoL, and also to point out some learning for future global outbreaks or even future waves of COVID-19.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    04 July 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    06 Oct 2020
  • Accepted
    18 Feb 2021
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