The prevalence and risk factors for perceived voice disorders in public school teachers

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors in public kindergarten and elementary school teachers in the Jimei district in Xiamen. We took particular interest in the relationship between work‐related factors and voice disorders. STUDY DESIGN: A cross‐sectional investigation; a General Investigation. METHODS: This study was conducted from September 14 to 18, 2020 at public kindergarten and elementary schools in Xiamen, China. A total of 3140 teachers were separated into a perceived voice disorder group (PVD) and no perceived voice disorder group (NPVD) according to the Voice Handicap Index. The chi‐square test was applied to explore the differences between the PVD and NPVD groups. The univariate logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors in terms of unadjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Stepwise logistic regression was then used to ascertain independent determinants. RESULTS: We found that the prevalence of PVD was 47.52%. The results showed that risk factors of PVD included being female (OR = 1.574), middle‐rank technical title and higher (OR = 2.199), continuous lecturing for more than 3 classes (OR = 3.034), lectured more than 10 classes a week (OR = 1.436) and taught art or physical education (OR = 1.742). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers' work‐related characteristics were associated with PVD. This proves that a preventive voice care program for teachers, administered by the school or education bureau, is urgent. This could include components such as the reasonable arrangement of timetables and recruitment of a sufficient number of kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Level of evidence: Case‐series