Prevalência de sintomas vocais em professores da rede municipal de ensino de Campo Grande – MS

Abstract

The literature presents several analyzes on issues of teacher's voice. Despite the profusion of data, a comprehensive survey of municipal character, it is necessary to have an overview of the local reality, reducing the possible risk of distortion of smaller analyzes. Recent recommendation of the American Academy of Otolaryngology points out that one-third of the general population will suffer voice problem at some point in life and makes it clear that a vocal disorder manifests as a problem when it compromises the quality of life of individuals, which is clear in teachers. This recommendation also notes that the majority of cases of voice problems in the population are benign, but require diagnosis. The Master in Health and Development of the Midwest Region at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - in partnership with the Speech Science - decided to organize in 2013 an important epidemiological research in Municipal Network Education -REME in Campo Grande- MS-Brazil. This study showed high prevalence (21,5%) of self-reported vocal symptoms in teachers, their individual variables (lifestyle, general health, vocal aspects, treatments) and labor variables (self-image, satisfaction of vocal timbre, daily habits, level of instruction on vocal health ). Data were collected through a sample of 394 participants, a statistically significant number for a population estimated at 5.000 teachers. All seven urban areas of the municipality (Prosa, Bandeira, Anhanduizinho, Lagoa, Segredo, Centro, Imbirussu) distributed in 94 schools (Semed / 2012), were sampled. The study used a specific protocol developed by speech therapists, applied to more than 10.000 teachers in São Paulo-SP. The seriousness of the problems of voice teacher, experienced in the daily speech therapy services and private clinics, is revealed in significant numbers in this important municipal survey. It is evident that the teachers of the municipal public exhibit multiple symptoms related to voice use at work and realize the important adverse effects of a voice problem in your work performance, even considering to change profession. Interventional and preventive actions need to continue to be studied, as well as specific public policies to local realities need to be implemented or deployed.