Prevalência de disfonia em adultos residentes no Rio Grande do Sul e fatores relacionados

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported dysphonia and investigate factors related to the presence of vocal symptoms in adults residing in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study conducted with adults aged 18 to 59 years living in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2025. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire covering sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, environmental, and healthcare service-related variables. The Voice Quality of Life (VQLI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) instruments were also applied, the latter including the organic, functional, and emotional domains of voice. Prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI95%), and the relationships were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test, considering p<0,05. Results: A total of 196 participants were evaluated. The prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and associations were evaluated using Pearson's Chi-square test (p<0,05). A total of 196 participants were evaluated. The prevalence of self-reported dysphonia was 15% (95% CI: 10–20). Significant associations were observed between self-reported dysphonia and middle age (30.3%; p=0,006), alcohol consumption (13.3%; p=0,0049), excessive alcohol intake in the last 30 days (76.5%; p=0,008), self-reported chronic stress (20.5%; p=0,009), self-reported chronic gastritis (27.1%; p=0,001), exposure to chemicals (35.7%; p=0,022), dust (21.8%; 0,002), noise (27.1%; p=0,001), recurrent vocal problems (28.1%; p<0,001), previous voice therapy (31.8%; p=0,018), and previous consultation with an otolaryngologist or speech-language pathologist (53.3%; p<0,001). Vocal impact on the VQLI was identified in 8.7% of the sample, while 14.3% showed vocal handicap according to the VHI. Regarding the VHI domains, the organic domain showed the highest frequency of vocal handicap (3.6%), followed by the functional and emotional domains (2.0% each). Reported vocal changes involved alterations in vocal quality, phonatory effort, changes in vocal frequency and intensity, and pain while speaking. Conclusion: Self-reported dysphonia demonstrated a relevant prevalence in the studied population and was mainly related to environmental, behavioral, and clinical history factors related to vocal health. Furthermore, a multidimensional impact of dysphonia was observed across the organic, functional, and emotional domains of vocal health.