title: Association between readiness for behavior change and complaints of vocal problems in teachers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify the association between readiness to behavioral change and self-reported vocal problems of teachers in schools from the municipal education network of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  The URICA-VOICE scale was used to measure the motivational stages of 138 teachers. Readiness to change was the variable outcome, whereas the independent variables referred to sociodemographic, economic, occupational, lifestyle, general health, and teacher's own voice factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority (59.4%) of teachers were in the pre-contemplation stage of the URICA-VOICE scale. The variables use of medication, perception of voice failure, and demand for speech and language therapy were retained for the final model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The low readiness to change showed the need for increased awareness of the risks and benefits related to the voice and general health. The results can provide public health intervention strategies that deal with individuals at various stages in the decision-making process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontology, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiza Augusta
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rossi-Barbosa
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Cristina Côrtes
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Gama
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antônio Prates
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Caldeira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014833:Voice Quality