Prevalence and Determinants of Hoarseness of Voice in School Teachers: Implications for Occupational Vocal Health

Abstract

Hoarseness of voice is a common occupational hazard among school teachers, often resulting from prolonged vocal use in challenging classroom environments. Despite its substantial impact on teachers’ quality of life and job performance, there is limited data on the prevalence and contributing factors of voice disorders in Saudi Arabia.

To evaluate the burden of hoarseness of voice and explore its associated risk factors among school teachers in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 randomly selected school teachers from 15 schools in Bisha, Asir Region. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire, including socio-demographic variables, voice usage and perception, lifestyle factors, and the VHI. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between hoarseness of voice and independent variables. Among the 101 participants, 71.3% reported mild, 21.8% moderate, and 6.9% severe voice handicap based on the VHI. Hoarseness of voice was significantly associated with higher income (P=0.043), longer teaching experience (P=0.05), raising voice during teaching (P=0.034), and coffee consumption (P=0.04). Although older age and female gender were linked with increased voice handicap, these associations were not statistically significant. The findings reveal a high prevalence of hoarseness of voice among school teachers in Bisha, influenced by several modifiable risk factors. Implementation of preventive strategies such as vocal hygiene education, voice amplification devices, and routine medical evaluations is essential. Further longitudinal and clinically validated studies are needed to establish causality and improve voice health among educators.