Vocal symptoms in workers of an alcohol and sugar mill / Sintomas vocais em trabalhadores de uma usina de álcool e açúcar

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

Aim: To investigate the vocal symptoms reported by workers of an alcohol and sugar mill exposed to noise and/or chemical substances. Justification: The vocal demand, physical and chemical agents may be considered risk factors for vocal disorders. Continuous exposure to noise and the presence of some pollutants (dust, smoke and others) may potentially lead to the presence of laryngeal and vocal symptoms. Hypothesis: It is believed that, when investigating the vocal symptoms in these workers, it will be possible to verify if occupational risk factors really interfere with their vocal health. Theoretical-Methodological Aspects: An alcohol and sugar mill composed by 2177 workers in the state of Mato Grosso was selected. 289 male workers took part in this study, distributed in 50 subjects per group as follows: group I exposure to noise; group II noise and oil, grease, petroleum derivatives; group III noise and acids, sulfates, chlorides, nitrates; group IV noise and breathable dust and free crystalline silica; group V oil, grease, petroleum derivatives, and control group (CG). To collect the data a questionnaire was used. This instrument was based on Ferreira et al. (2007) and covers aspects referring to functional situation, general health aspects, vocal habits and aspects. After the questionnaires were completed, the data was doubly typed into the Epi Info software. The study variables were: five case groups and one control group, environmental factors (physical and chemical risks), aspects related to the voice, vocal disorder and vocal habits. The chi-square test was used, with significance p<0.05. Obtained Results: It was noticed that 96 (33.2%) workers reported low-pitched voice as the main vocal symptom, and group IV was the group that most frequently reported this symptom (52%). The chi-square test showed significance for this symptom (p= 0,001). Hoarseness was considered the second most occurring symptom for 27 (9.3%) workers, and group IV mentioned it the most (16%). It was verified that 63 (21.7%) workers reported cough with phlegm as the main laryngeal sensation, followed by dry throat, with 61 (21.1%) workers. The laryngeal sensation of secretion/phlegm in throat showed a strong tendency towards being statistically significant (p=0,060) when crossed with the variable smoking for workers in group IV. The same group was the one that most mentioned upper airway infections (50%) as the main cause of vocal disorder

ASSUNTO(S)

fonoaudiologia sintomas vocais voice trabalhadores ruido ocupacional saude do trabalhador occupational risks riscos ocupacionais voz workers

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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