title: Frequency of voice problems among teachers and other occupations.
abstract: This study describes the frequency of reporting vocal problems among a random sample of elementary and high school teachers (n = 554) compared to individuals working in other occupations (n = 220). Teachers were more likely to define themselves as ever having a voice problem (32% versus. 1%, p < .05); having a tired, weak, or effortful voice (p < .05 each); and having a higher frequency of symptoms of physical discomfort with speaking (p < .05). They also were more likely to perceive that their voice problem negatively affected current job performance (p < .05) and limited options regarding change in work (p < .05). About 20% of teachers but only 4% of nonteachers had missed work due to their voice. These findings suggest that teachers are at high-risk for disability from voice disorders and that this health problem may have significant work-related and economic effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lemke
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Kirchner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*