Occupational risk factors associated with voice disorders among teachers.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine the occupational risk factors associated with voice disorders among schoolteachers, a high-risk population for developing voice problems.


METHODS
Telephone interviews were completed by 1243 teachers from Utah and Iowa. Response rates were 98% and 95%, respectively. Bivariate analyses were computed and assessed using chi-square test and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, and logistic regression analyses were performed and resulting odds ratios assessed using 95% confidence intervals.


RESULTS
Teachers of vocal music, drama, other performing arts and chemistry were at significantly greater risk of having a voice disorder (OR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.0; OR=2.1, 95% CI: 0.9-4.8; OR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.4; OR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4), while teachers of special and vocational education had a significantly lower risk (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7; OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9). When adjusted for the intensity of vocalization, only teachers of chemistry were significantly at risk (OR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5) while teachers of special education continued to have less of a risk (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8). Chronic voice disorders were more prevalent among teachers of vocal music (OR=4.1, 95% CI: 2.2-7.9) and less prevalent among teachers of vocational education (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.95).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that teachers of specific courses are at greater risk of developing a voice disorder.
Thibeault
Susan L
SL
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. susan.thibeault@hsc.utah.edu
Merrill
Ray M
RM
Roy
Nelson
N
Gray
Steven D
SD
Smith
Elaine M
EM
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013663:Teaching; D014589:Utah / Q000453:epidemiology; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*