Prevalence and risk factors for voice problems in school-age children

Abstract

Voice disorders affect 6% of school-age children in the western countries. However, similar researches are not available in Hong Kong. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of voice problems in school-age children in Hong Kong and the associated risk factors. Data were collected from 742 parents of school-age children using self-reported questionnaires. The results revealed that the prevalence of reporting a current voice problem was 5.4% and the prevalence of voice disorders during their lifetime was 8.6%. The results also identified that voice intensity, pitch, temperament, presenting with the habit of screaming, tense muscle, diagnosed articulation problem and diagnosed dyslexia, and having a tense and hurried communication mode at home were associated with increased risks of developing voice problems. The study provides empirical data to support and urge the need for parental education on awareness on vocal hygiene, signs of developing voice problem and the correct use of voice.