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. 2004 Nov;14(10):786-92.
doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2004.03.004.

Occupational risk factors associated with voice disorders among teachers

Susan L Thibeault  1 , Ray M Merrill, Nelson Roy, Steven D Gray, Elaine M Smith
Affiliations

Occupational risk factors associated with voice disorders among teachers

Susan L Thibeault et al. Ann Epidemiol. 2004 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: 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.

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