Voice problems experienced by Finnish comprehensive school teachers and realization of occupational health care.
A survey was conducted among teachers to explore 1) risk factors of voice disorders, 2) the number and nature of problems experienced, 3) the need for medical help, and 4) how occupational health care reacts to this need. Additionally, the knowledgeability of occupational health care physicians and the way treatment of voice disorders is currently organized was explored. Of the 181 teachers who responded, 42% reported voice symptoms occurring daily or weekly. Every tenth teacher also had vocal nodules, and 40% of those with recurring voice problems had been on sick-leave. The respondents suggested improvements in occupational health care: it should also cover prevention, waiting times need to be shortened and care chains established, and resources need to be allocated for voice therapy services.
Smolander
Sini
S
Department of Finnish, Information Studies and Logopedics, University of Oulu, Finland. sini.smolander@hus.fi
Huttunen
Kerttu
K
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005178:Faculty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016272:Occupational Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014834:Voice Training