Abstract
Objective: to analyze prevalence and factors associated to voice disorders in teachers.
Methods: cross-sectional study with 317 school teachers. A Teachers Voice Production Condition questionnaire was used. The dependent variable was the self-reported voice disorder. We performed bivariate, stratified and Poisson multiple regression analyses.
Results: the prevalence of voice disorders was 81%. For the stratum of elementary school teachers only dust (PR = 1.37; CI = 1.12-1.69) was associated with voice disorders. For the stratum of other teachers the variables stressful pace of work (PR = 1.81; CI = 1.17-2.82), work stress (PR = 2.47; CI = 1.20-5.07), repetitive work (PP = 1.18; CI = 1.01-1.38), taking work home (PR = 1.80; CI = 1.01-3.79) and noisy school (PR = 1.41; CI = 1.03-1.92) were associated with voice disorders. In multiple analysis, work stress (PR = 1.50; CI = 1.05-2.15), dust (PR = 1.21; CI = 1.06-1.39) and carrying weight while speaking (PR = 1.16; CI = 1.05-1.28) remained associated with voice disorders, except profession time ≥ 10 years (PR = 0.88; CI = 0.79-0.98) that showed a protective effect.
Conclusion: the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers is high and associated factors are related to work environment and organization.
Keywords:
voice disorders; teacher; epidemiology; occupational health