Summary
Objectives
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with voice disorders
(VDs) in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.
Study design
This is a cross-sectional study.
Methods
The sample comprised 463 older adults (60 years or more) of both sexes living in a
Brazilian northeastern city. Variables were related to socioeconomic and demographic
profile, lifestyle, and general health conditions, in addition to the validated “Screening
for Voice Disorders in Older Adults” (RAVI) questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was
performed using the Pearson chi-square test or the Fisher exact test, and the magnitude
of the association was the prevalence ratio (PR). Poisson regression model was performed,
considering only the variables with a critical value of P < 0.20. The significance level was 5%.
Results
There was a prevalence of women (60.9%), and the average age of participants was 70
(±7.74) years. The prevalence of VDs was 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.8–55.9).
The most common symptoms were throat sensation of phlegm (46.9%) and dry throat (46.7%),
both related to physical sensations of laryngeal discomfort. Multivariate analysis
indicated that the prevalence of VDs was independently associated with hyposalivation
(PR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.80–2.88), smoking (PR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.65–2.52), self-reported
hearing loss (PR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.28–1.78), and not seeking a physician or other
health professional care for VDs (PR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.60–0.88).
Conclusion
VDs are prevalent among Brazilian community-dwelling older adults and are associated
with variables related to general health and lifestyle.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 17, 2018
Accepted:
February 28,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
