Predisposing factors of childhood dysphonia in primary school children

Abstract

Abstract Background Although dysphonia is a common symptom in children, there is lack of mass screening studies to cover its prevalence rate in the Egyptian Alexandrian schools. The aim of the work was to screen Alexandrian school-age children for dysphonia in order to determine the prevalence and to detect its possible predisposing factors. The study was carried out on 1913 school children (4th-6th grade), age range of 9-13 years and presenting the seven Alexandrian Educational districts. All patients were screened for the presence of dysphonia. The grade of dysphonia was assessed by a phoniatrician using perceptual auditory evaluation. Determination of possible predisposing factors was done through the application of a questionnaire. Only 317 students responded to the questionnaire. Results There was a significant difference between dysphonic and non-dysphonic as regards gender, and school grade. Having a smoking family member and conducting activities requiring high vocal demands were recorded with the highest percentage among dysphonic children. Conclusion The Study revealed a prevalence rate of childhood Dysphonia of 12.4%. The presence of chest problems, prolonged loud cry, temperament personality and passive smoking predisposed to dysphonia in primary school students.