Understanding voice disorders among university staff: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Voice disorders are a common health problem, especially among university staff members due to their excessive voice use. It might have significant consequences on their quality of life and work productivity. So, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of voice disorders among Egyptian staff members at Menoufia University and identify the contributing factors. Methods This cross-sectional study included 400 university staff members from different faculties in Egypt’s Menoufia University, recruited through convenience sampling. The participants obtained a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic information, occupational details of teaching, voice complaints, and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). A videolaryngostroboscopic examination was performed to identify the pathology. Results The main voice complaints among the university staff were dysphonia (40.3%) and throat dryness (41%). An abnormal VHI-10 was obtained in 164/400 (41.0%) of participants. The videolaryngostroboscopy revealed functional voice disorders (43.1%), minimal associated pathological lesions (30.4%), organic voice disorders (20.6%), and combined ones (5.9%). The significant associated factors for abnormal VHI were frequent teaching sessions per week (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.14–1.36), working a job ranked as teaching staff (aOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.19–5.96), deficient water intake of less than three cups per day (aOR: 5.09, 95% CI: 2.39–10.87), lack of use of amplifiers (aOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.15–3.19), and positive family history (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.09–5.91). Conclusions Voice disorders are highly prevalent among university staff members. Voice disorders were significantly associated with several personal, occupational, and behavioral factors. These emphasize the significance of implementing a health education program about voice care and putting practical preventive strategies into practice.