Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2025
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: February 21, 2011
Prevalence of Dysphonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ana Luiza Custodio Pinheiro Torres1, Yasmin Farias Ribeiro1, Evelyn de Carvalho Caprini1
1Departament of Speech-Language Pathology, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
Insights
Pediatric voice disorders, or dysphonia, are highly prevalent in children. However, existing research on their prevalence suffers from low quality and inconsistent results, limiting reliable conclusions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric voice disorders, commonly known as dysphonia, represent a significant concern in child health.
- Understanding the prevalence of childhood dysphonia is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the existing literature on the prevalence of dysphonia in children.
- To identify the global prevalence rates of pediatric voice disorders across various assessment methods.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
- Searches were performed across multiple databases (Medline, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS) and gray literature.
- Studies reporting prevalence of dysphonia in children using vocal deviation, laryngeal imaging, acoustic analysis, or self-assessment were included.
Main Results:
- 16 studies were selected from 796 initial articles, with 62.5% demonstrating low methodological quality.
- Overall dysphonia prevalence varied: 15% (vocal deviation), 29% (laryngeal imaging), 10% (self-assessment), and 19% (overall).
- High statistical heterogeneity was observed across all prevalence estimates.
Conclusions:
- Dysphonia is highly prevalent in the pediatric population.
- The current body of research on pediatric voice disorders is characterized by low methodological quality and significant heterogeneity.
- These limitations compromise the validity and generalizability of reported prevalence rates, highlighting a need for higher-quality research.
Objectives:
To analyze the prevalence of pediatric voice disorders.
Study Design:
Systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis.
Methods:
The research question of this SR was "What is the prevalence of dysphonia in children?" An electronic search was performed using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS database. A manual search was performed in gray literature (ProQuest and Banco Digital de Teses e Dissertações) and through the mapping of references. Studies that analyzed the prevalence of dysphonia in children with outcomes such as the overall degree of vocal deviation, laryngeal endoscopic imaging, acoustic analysis, and vocal self-assessments in the global context were included. The risk of bias was verified using a checklist of prevalence studies. A meta-analysis was performed using proportion analysis, and statistical heterogeneity was calculated using I² and t².
Results:
The initial search identified 796 articles, and 16 were selected. The risk of bias analysis showed that 62.5% (n = 10) of the articles had low methodological quality. The total prevalence of dysphonia was 15% based on the overall degree of vocal deviation, 29% based on laryngeal endoscopic imaging, 10% based on vocal self-assessment, and 19% regardless of the type of assessment performed. High heterogeneity was observed for all evaluation forms.
Conclusion:
Children have a high prevalence of dysphonia. Studies on the prevalence of pediatric voice disorders have low methodological quality, and the prevalence rates obtained in these studies are heterogeneous, thus compromising the validity and generalization of the results.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
01:47Lung Capacity