Vocal Tract Discomfort and Risk Factors in University Teachers.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the presence of and risk factors for throat pain or irritation among male and female university teachers in private institutions within the city of São Paulo.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Voice self-evaluation forms prepared by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor were administered to 846 university teachers in a private institution in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.


RESULTS
The prevalence of throat pain or irritation was 50.8% and was higher in the women (62.7%) than in the men (43.5%). The prevalence of throat pain or irritation was higher among professionals ≤60 years old and among those who spent most of their time teaching compared with those who spent most of their time performing other professional activities. Other factors, such as noise and sound competition, air pollution, stress and anxiety, personal habits, and lifestyle/quality of life, were related to the presence of throat pain or irritation.


CONCLUSIONS
University teachers demonstrated a high prevalence of throat pain or irritation. Factors such as age ≤60 years, female gender, time-consuming professional activities, noise and sound competition in the work environment, stress and anxiety, air pollution, access to water, personal habits, and lifestyle/quality of life were related to the presence of throat pain or irritation.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: gustavokorn@uol.com.br.
Gustavo Polacow
GP
Korn
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Antonio
A
Augusto de Lima Pontes
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Denise
D
Abranches
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Paulo
P
Augusto de Lima Pontes
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016272:Occupational Health; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010699:Phonation; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D014495:Universities; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014833:Voice Quality; D017132:Workplace
Dysphonia; Risk factors; Teachers