PURPOSE: To verify vocal complaints and correlate them to self reported general health problems, lifestyle habits and vocal habits in a group of Community Health Agents (CHA). METHODS: The subjects of this study were 28 CHA, who answered a questionnaire concerning their personal data, work situation, general health aspects, and vocal aspects and habits. Data was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: From all the participants, 42.9% reported vocal complaints, and attributed them to the following causes: exposure to cold temperatures (30.7%), respiratory infections (23.7%) and intensive vocal use (20.3%). It was observed significant correlation between the presence of self reported vocal complaints and those related to emotional issues (p=0.009) and back problems (p=0.038). The vocal symptoms most frequently reported were: hoarseness (33.3%), shortage of breath (32.1%), voice breaks (14.2%), low-pitched voice (14.2%), and voice varying between high and low pitches (14.2%). Regarding laryngopharyngeal symptoms, CHA reported: dry throat (32.1%), tiredness when speaking (32.1%), dry cough (28.5%), throat secretions (25%), and burning throat (21.4%). When these vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms were correlated to the presence of self-reported vocal complaints, it was verified a significant association with the following vocal symptoms: hoarseness (p=0.001), voice breaks (p=0.024), and low-pitched voice (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: There was a high percentage of CHAs who reported voice complaints, which were characterized mainly by hoarseness, voice breaks and low-pitched voice. Back problems and emotional issues were associated to the presence of voice complaints.
Voice disorders; Risk factors; Health personnel; Occupational health; Voice quality; Life style; Health personnel
