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Publication
Prevalence of vocal problems in portuguese primary and secondary shool level teachers
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This study compared the prevalence of vocal problems in two Portuguese groups: 73 teachers that
use their voice as professional tool (teachers’ group) and 73 non-voice professionals (control group). It
also identified the risk factors that contributed to teachers’ group voice problems. A questionnaire was
applied to both goups in order to obtain information about vocal health, hygiene and behavior, professional
activity and general physical health. Statistical results revealed that the teachers’ group presented
a higher prevalence of vocal problems than the control group: 52% reported hoarseness, 46.6% vocal
fatigue and 45.2% vocal discomfort compared with 31.5%, 20.5 % e 28.7%, respectively. Environmental
factors (eg., smoke and cold temperatures), vocal abuse and upper respiratory pathologies (e.g., colds,
laryngitis and pharyngitis) seemed to increase teachers’ voice disorders (p-value < .05). In conclusion,
the absence of vocal pedagogy in the curricular plan of teachers’ higher education associated to poor
working environmental conditions and professional voice demands explained the higher prevalence of
vocal problems in teachers’ group.
Description
Keywords
prevalence vocal problems teachers portuguese
Citation
Mendes, A., Salema, L., Rodrigues, A., Conceição, I., Bonança, I. & Santos, M.(2009). Prevalence of vocal problems in portuguese primary and secondary shool level teachers. Distúrbios de Comunicação, 21(3), 315-325.