Behavioral characteristics and parenting styles in chronic habitual hyperfunctional childhood dysphonia

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to understand the association of child behavior and parenting practices with chronic habitual hyperfunctional childhood dysphonia (CHCD) for a better understanding of the nature of the psychological background of the problem. The study involved 52 Egyptian children aged 4 to 14 years old of both genders; the case group included 26 children diagnosed with (CHCD) based on auditory perceptual assessment using the modified GRBAS scale and laryngeal examination using an indirect laryngoscope, and the control group included 26 healthy children of the same age and gender. All of the children in the study had their histories were taken (demographic data, child vocal behavior history, and family vocal behavior history), the social class determined, SDQ for child behavior, and APQ for parenting practices.  Results The findings revealed that children with CHCD were more likely to engage in unhealthy vocal behavior and engage in street/sports activities. At the SDQ, children with CHCD had significantly higher emotional, conduct, and total difficulty scores. The degree of dysphonia was associated with prosocial behavior and emotional symptoms. The two groups’ parenting practices did not significantly differ from one another. Conclusion According to our research, CHCD is associated with several behavior problems, such as emotional symptom and conduct issues, but not with parenting practices.