Voice disorders among nurses

The purpose and objective of the research conducted in the scope of my diploma thesis was to establish the frequency of voice disorders among nurses, as well as the impact of incorrect speech habits, bad habits, various illnesses, knowledge of voice techniques and voice hygiene related to the frequency of detecting voice disorders. The theoretical part addresses speech, voice and its characteristics, voice disorders, various classifications of voice disorders and the causal factors contributing to their development. Voice disorders are treated as occupational diseases, and their frequency in some professions with much vocal overload is displayed. There has been but little research on voice disorders of nurses so far. The empirical part was conducted on the sample of 106 nurses and medical technicians employed in outpatient clinics of health care centers in Slovenia, and dedicated to the identification of their voice problems, speech habits and their knowledge of voice care. The nurses and medical technicians were divided into two groups: the group without voice problems and the one that experienced voice problems. By comparing the results of both groups the characteristics and the risk factors for the development of voice disorders among them were determined. The results of the research showed that nurses and medical technicians have voice problems and that hoarseness is frequently present, namely 63, 2% of the respondents reported on voice problems during their job performance. The most common reason for hoarseness was stated to be the infection of respiratory organs – in 63, 5% of the respondents. Smoking also proved to be an important risk factor contributing to voice problems, while gastro esophageal reflux and vocal overload in their free time were not considered as causes thereof. Only 11.3% of the respondents were made aware of the fundamental principles and practices of voice care. In our opinion the latter is one of the reasons for frequent development of voice disorders among nurses and medical technicians. Therefore the inclusion of the relevant information about the correct phonation and speech in the high school curriculum or at least in the curriculum of the Nursing and Health Care study programme at the Faculty of Health Sciences is highly recommended. Due to respiratory infections being the main cause for the development of voice disorders, nurses and medical technicians should additionally be presented with efficient methods for their own protection against any potential infections from the sick population, they are exposed to in their daily work