Factors associated with vocal fold pathologies in teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102011005000055Keywords:
Faculty, Voice Disorders, Working Conditions, Occupational Health, Cross-Sectional StudiesAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with the prevalence of the medical diagnosis of vocal fold pathologies in teachers. METHODS: A census-based epidemiological, cross-sectional study was conducted with 4,495 public primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, between March and April 2006. The dependent variable was the self-reported medical diagnosis of vocal fold pathologies and the independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics; professional activity; work organization/interpersonal relationships; physical work environment characteristics; frequency of common mental disorders, measured by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20 >;7); and general health conditions. Descriptive statistical, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis techniques were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported medical diagnosis of vocal fold pathologies was 18.9%. In the logistic regression analysis, the variables that remained associated with this medical diagnosis were as follows: being female, having worked as a teacher for more than seven years, excessive voice use, reporting more than five unfavorable physical work environment characteristics and presence of common mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of self-reported vocal fold pathologies was associated with factors that point out the need of actions that promote teachers' vocal health and changes in their work structure and organization.Downloads
Published
2011-10-01
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Section
Original Articles
How to Cite
Souza, C. L. de, Carvalho, F. M., Araújo, T. M. de, Reis, E. J. F. B. dos, Lima, V. M. C., & Porto, L. A. (2011). Factors associated with vocal fold pathologies in teachers . Revista De Saúde Pública, 45(5), 914-921. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102011005000055