Frequency and effects of teachers' voice problems.
This study compared the frequency and effects of voice symptoms in teachers to a group of individuals employed in other occupations. Teachers were more likely to report having a voice problem (15 vs. 6%), having 10 specific voice symptoms, and having 5 symptoms of physical discomfort. They averaged almost 2 symptoms compared with none for nonteachers. Likewise, teachers were more likely to perceive that a voice problem would adversely affect their future career options, had done so in the past, and was limiting their current job performance. Over 20% of teachers but none of the nonteachers had missed any days of work due to a voice problem. These findings suggest that teaching is a high-risk occupation for voice disorders and that this health problem may have significant work-related and economic effects.
Smith
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Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Gray
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SD
Dove
H
H
Kirchner
L
L
Heras
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014833:Voice Quality