Abstract
Introduction Many recent studies on teachers warn of the adverse effects that voice problems have
on work performance. However, only a few of these studies included university teachers.
Objective To compare the vocal symptoms and risk factors between male and female university
teachers in a private institution within the city of São Paulo.
Methods In a cross-sectional survey, a voice self-evaluation form prepared by the Ministry
of Labor in Brazil was administered to 846 university teachers at a private institution
in the city of São Paulo.
Results The percentage of hoarseness, vocal tract discomfort, neck pain and foreign body
sensation was significantly higher in female than in male subjects. A significantly
higher percentage of males participated in other professional activities in addition
to teaching, reported working in a calm environment compared with working in a moderately
or severely tense and stressful environment, and rated themselves as calm, slightly
stressed and anxious or moderately stressed and anxious rather than very stressed
and anxious. A significantly higher percentage of females spent most of their time
teaching compared with performing other professional activities, and rated themselves
as chatty or impulsive.
Conclusion Among university teachers, a significantly higher percentage of females than males
reported hoarseness, vocal tract discomfort, neck pain and foreign body sensation.
Some risk factors related to work organization, workplace environment, voice care
and quality of life variables were related to this higher prevalence in females.
Keywords
dysphonia - risk factors - faculty
