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Prevalence and risk factors for voice problems among telemarketers
Katherine Jones1, Jason Sigmon, Lynette Hock
1University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4350, USA. kjonesj@unmc.edu
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|May 11, 2002
Summary
Telemarketers experience twice the rate of voice problems compared to the general population. These vocal issues impact work productivity and are linked to various health and lifestyle factors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Communication Sciences
- Public Health
Background:
- Voice problems are common in vocally demanding professions.
- Telemarketing involves extensive daily vocal use, posing potential risks to voice health.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for voice problems in telemarketers is crucial for workplace health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if telemarketers have a higher prevalence of voice problems than the general population.
- To assess the impact of these voice problems on telemarketer productivity.
- To identify risk factors associated with voice problems in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey study design was employed.
- 304 telemarketing employees and 187 community college students (control group) completed surveys.
- Surveys collected data on demographic, vocational, personality, biological risk factors, vocal attrition symptoms, and work impact.
Main Results:
- Telemarketers were twice as likely to report voice problems compared to controls.
- 31% of telemarketers reported work affected by an average of 5.0 voice symptoms.
- Associated risk factors included being female, smoking, certain medications, sinus issues, frequent colds, dry mouth, and sedentary behavior.
Conclusions:
- Telemarketers exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of voice problems.
- These voice issues negatively affect job productivity.
- Effective management requires addressing modifiable risk factors beyond just reducing vocal load.