Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of voice handicap perception of teachers in Kuwait and compare them within the general population by using the validated Arabic version of the voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10). Moreover, we explored variations within the teaching profession itself with regards to specific characteristics.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey design, in which participants from all governates of Kuwait (1820 teachers and 755 controls) completed the validated Arabic VHI-10, health-related, and demographic questions. The questionnaires were distributed among a random sample of elementary, middle, and high school teachers of both genders, and a random sample of the control population.

Results: The mean VHI-10 of teachers was significantly higher than nonteachers (mean VHI-10 of teachers = 5.7, mean VHI-10 of nonteachers = 3.7, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between teachers and controls in those who scored >11 in the VHI-10 (>11 = 17.6%, 10.2% respectively, P = <0.001). Female teachers scored a higher mean VHI-10 than male teachers (B = 0.66, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the mean VHI-10 among the different teaching class levels. However, elementary school teachers were the most group to exceed the cut-off point (VHI-10 >11) (Odds Ratio = 1.38, P = 0.04). With regards to smoking, we found no difference in the mean VHI-10 and scoring >11 in the questionnaire. Art and science teachers had the highest mean VHI-10 (P = 0.005 and 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion: The results of the study revealed a higher perception of voice handicap in teachers than nonteachers. Therefore, emphasis should be on teachers in order to prevent voice damage.

Keywords: Occupational voice users; Teachers; Voice disorders in teachers; Voice handicap index; Voice handicap index-10; Voice handicap index-10 in teachers.