Occupational risk factors associated with voice disorders among teachers

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.