Dysphonia Screening in Firefighters and Associated Factors

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Voice Disorders
• Mental Health

Background:

• Dysphonia, or voice disorders, can impact individuals in demanding professions.
• Firefighting is an occupation that may present unique risk factors for voice strain.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for dysphonia in firefighters is crucial for occupational health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of dysphonia among firefighters.
• To investigate the relationship between dysphonia and individual factors (e.g., race) and occupational characteristics.
• To explore the association between dysphonia and common mental disorders (CMD) in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study involving 442 firefighters.
• Data collected included sociodemographic, occupational, lifestyle factors, and screening for CMD using the SRQ-20.
• Dysphonia likelihood assessed using the Brazilian Dysphonia Screening Tool; a hoarse voice indicated potential dysphonia.

Main Results:

• A moderate/high likelihood of dysphonia was found in 6.12% of firefighters.
• Black and multiracial firefighters were approximately 2.5 times more likely to screen positive for dysphonia compared to White individuals.
• Firefighters reporting symptoms of CMD were 2.7 times more likely to have dysphonia.

Conclusions:

• Black, multiracial firefighters, and those with symptoms of common mental disorders exhibit a higher likelihood of dysphonia.
• These findings highlight specific subgroups within the firefighting profession at increased risk for voice disorders.
• Firefighters with a high likelihood of dysphonia warrant further clinical voice assessment for diagnosis.