Relation between voice disorders and work in a group of Community Health Workers

To analyze the relationship between voice disorders and work in a group of Community Health Agents (CHA).

The subjects of this study were 65 CHA working in the city of São Paulo. Thefiinstrument used for data collection was an adaptation of the questionnaire named Conditions of Vocal Production - Teachers (CPV-P). The results were keyed in twice and submitted to statistical analysis, in order to verify: the self-reported frequency of voice disorder frequency of present vocal symptoms, the association among the three most frequently reported present symptoms, and environmental and organizational aspects of work.

Of the 65 (100%) CHA in the study, 37 (56.9%) self-reported having present or past vocal disorders. The most frequently reported present symptoms were: dry throat, tiredness when speaking, and burning sensation in the throat. There was significant association between: taking work to home, having personal items stolen, police intervention, violence against employees and vocal symptom dry throat, not having enough time to complete all tasks, difficulty in leaving work, inadequate furniture, intense physical strain, objects stolen from the health unit, racism and vocal symptom tiredness when speaking, dust, job dissatisfaction, work stress, building destruction, drug issues, and vocal symptom burning in throat.

Based on the obtained results, the initial hypothesis of association between the development of vocal disorders among the subjects and the adversities present in their work environment and organization was confirmed.