[Perceived coercion of noninstitutionalized elderly patients undergoing research for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction].

Objective: To evaluate perceived coercion (PC) of noninstitutionalized elderly patients undergoing research for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Method: A cross-sectional study conducted with 1,112 elderly individuals aged 60 or older, enrolled in the Family Health Programme of the municipality of Areia, State of Paraíba, Brazil, from January to June 2013. The data collection tool was the Perceived Coercion Scale (PSC).