Self-reported voice problems among teachers: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported voice problems and to identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 393 public elementary and middle school teachers in Florianópolis, Southern Brazil, in 2009. A self-administered questionnaire was used. A multivariable Poisson regression model was performed to estimate prevalence ratios and their related 95% confi dence intervals. Results: The prevalence of voice problems was 47.6% (95%CI 42.6;52.5). In the fi nal adjusted analysis the following variables remained associated with a higher prevalence of voice problems: being female and the presence of rhinitis/sinusitis and pharyngitis. Conclusions: A high prevalence of self-reported voice problems was found among the teachers studied.