Prevalence and Risk Factors for Occupational Voice problems in Teachers

Abstract: A number of teachers are teaching all over Pakistan among private and public institutes. Voice problem is specified to be one of the major occupational risks of teachers actually the teachers frequently use their voice with high-intensity in noisy environment for a long time and without voice rest. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for occupational voice problems in teachers. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 120 teachers, through pre-tested questionnaire at 10 different schools and colleges of Gujranwala district Pakistan. Results: Results showed that prevalence of voice problems was greater in female teachers as compared to male teachers. Among the risk factors long duration of job was more dominant. Conclusions: Teachers develop voice problems during professional life due to risk factors that included personal issues, noisy environment and psychosocial factors. Keywords: Voice problems, Prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, Voice disorder.