Experiences, beliefs and psychosocial factors of individuals with TMD and tinnitus. A qualitative study.

• Grant number: 25/00480-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 15, 2025
• End date: July 14, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Luana Denadai Oliveira Menezes
• Supervisor: Domingo Palacios-Ceña
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Campus De Alcorcón, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/18373-0 - Relationship between the impact of Tinnitus with Craniofacial and Cervical Disability in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders., BP.IC

Abstract

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), often associated with tinnitus, significantly impacts quality of life due to its strong psychosocial component, such as the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Previous studies have shown positive correlations between the impact of tinnitus and emotional factors in patients with TMD. This reinforces the relevance of qualitative research to explore beliefs, perceptions and experiences related to these conditions. The aim of the proposal is to provide the undergraduate student with the opportunity to learn and deepen her knowledge in qualitative analysis methods in Health Sciences under the supervision of the renowned Prof. Dr. Domingo Palacios-Ceña, at the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), Madrid, ES. The URJC is internationally recognized for its excellence in research, especially Prof. Palacios Ceña, in qualitative research in the field of Health Sciences. The student will follow some interviews and analyze the data from the semi-structured interviews conducted with Spanish individuals with TMD and tinnitus. During the internship, the student will actively participate in the URJC research environment, including group meetings, data collection from other studies and discussions with experts, strengthening her scientific training and expanding her network of academic contacts. The experience may contribute to the emergence of new qualitative studies in the group of origin in Brazil and may complement the ongoing project in the country. In addition, it will promote scientific integration between Brazilian and Spanish research groups, with potential impact on the understanding and clinical management of patients with TMD and tinnitus.