Prevalence and Risk Factors of Benign Laryngeal Lesions among Teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Subjects using their voice as the main professional instrument oftendevelop vocal disorders. Teachers present a high prevalence of vocal problems incomparison to other professional categories depending on their voice as professionaltool; voice changes could be assigned to the interaction between occupational (vocalloading), behavioral and lifestyle factors. Voice disorders due to professional overuseare usually chronic and can lead to an increase in sick absenteeism. Aim of work:To determine the prevalence of abnormal laryngeal findings among public-schoolteachers in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt using strobovideolaryngoscopy. Materialsand methods: A case-control nested into a cross-sectional study was held from March1st to May 1st, 2019. The sample is composed of four hundred and fifty-seven (457)teachers of public schools in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Results: The prevalence ofvocal lesions among the studied group was 22.1% with (17.79-26.41) 95% confidenceinterval. On stroboscopic evaluation, vocal nodules were the most common structurallesion affecting the larynx; it was present in 42 (9.1%) of teachers. Other structuralabnormalities included the presence of swollen arytenoids, vocal cords paresis,vocal polyps, vocal cord cyst, and epiglottic mass in a percentage of (5.9, 3.7, 1.7,1.1, 0.4) respectively. There was higher prevalence of vocal cord lesions amongolder teachers with increase duration of employment/years, number of classes /days,smokers and teachers of primary school; although it didn’t show statistically significantdifference. A significant relationship was reported between laryngoscopic findings and  laryngopharyngeal reflux (15.1% vs 28.7% with 0.002 p-value) and water intake/day (t = 2.41, df = 2, p =.047). Conclusion: Results of the current work highlighted the needfor large-scale regular educational programs to minimize vocal cord lesions amongteachers.