The Prevalence and Factors Related to Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Muang District, Udonthani Province

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers in Muang District, Udonthani Province, and to identify factors associated with the occurrence of voice disorders. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI), a 30-item questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96), was utilized to assess a sample of 373 teachers selected through stratified random sampling. The findings revealed that the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers in Muang District, Udonthani Province was 25.7%. Teachers who taught both primary and secondary levels had the highest prevalence at 63.6%, which was significantly higher than teachers who taught only primary or secondary level (p-value = 0.032). Factors which were significantly associated with voice disorders including frequent catching a cold (Adjusted OR = 3.75, 95%CI: 1.74 - 8.10), being single (Adjusted OR = 2.61, 95%CI: 1.51 - 4.52), occasional alcohol consumption (Adjusted OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.21 - 3.54), and a family history of voice disorders (Adjusted OR = 6.10, 95%CI: 1.60 - 23.27). On the contrary, teachers who know how to prevent hoarseness had a reduced risk (Adjusted OR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.26 - 0.76). These findings indicate that personal factors and knowledge of voice preservation are significantly associated with the occurrence of voice disorders in teachers.