Factores de riesgo laboral que inciden en las cualidades de voz de los docentes de la Universidad de Sucre

This study aimed to describe the occupational risk factors affecting the voice qualities of teachers at the University of Sucre. A total of 54 teachers were selected through random stratified sampling. For data collection, a questionnaire was applied to detect vocal symptoms. Occupational risk factors were identified, estimated and assessed, muscular, vocal and respiratory conditions were determined, and the Anagraf test was applied in 25 teachers, revealing vocal symptoms. The EPI INFO statistical package version 3.5.5 of July 30, 2012, was used for the analysis. The association between variables was assessed with the chi-square test at a significance level of P < .05. The results showed that teachers were exposed to temperatures ranging from 20-21° C and 36-37° C, relative humidity levels from 63% amd 78%, and background noise between 61 dB and 70 dB. Other findings were generalized muscle tension, aggravated tone, constrained timbre, vocal intensity and strong vocal attack, upper costal breathing type, maximum phonation time, expiratory breath and decreased phonatory breathing efficiency. We conclude that the longer teachers are exposed to relative humidity, the greater the changes that will occur in vocal tone and intensity.