Estado vocal de docentes de la facultad de Ciencias Médicas y Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca, septiembre 2023 - febrero 2024

Abstract

Background: The state of vocal health of university teachers is fundamental for the development of their profession, when reviewing several researchs, it was found that a great part of them do not know their vocal condition and an appropriate hygiene for the care of their voice. The constant inappropriate use can cause pathological changes in the medium and long terms. Objective: To determine the vocal status of teachers of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Dentistry of the University of Cuenca in the year 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A sample of 92 teachers from the faculties of Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry participated the implementation of a structured survey and subjective tests such as the Voice Handicap Index and GRABSI. The data obtained were tabulated using the free version of the SPSS 22 program. Results: Of the 92 teachers surveyed, the largest number are female 53.3% (49), while male were 46.7% (43), 42.3% belong to Dentistry, this being the most prevalent among women with 18.4%. When analyzing the Voice Handicap Index, a prevalence of 73.3% in the emotional scale and 66.6% in the functional scale stands out, corresponding to a slight alteration, showing some difficulty during working hours. In the GRABSI scale, 64.1% are classified in the mild category in terms of intensity and 50% in degree, asthenic and blown. Conclusions: It is observed that university teachers lack proper vocal hygiene habits, highlighting the lack of awareness about how their voice can influence their professional activities