Prevalence and Associated Factors With Voice Disorders in Brazilian Community-dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with voice disorders (VDs) in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 463 older adults (60 years or more) of both sexes living in a Brazilian northeastern city. Variables were related to socioeconomic and demographic profile, lifestyle, and general health conditions, in addition to the validated "Screening for Voice Disorders in Older Adults" (RAVI) questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-square test or the Fisher exact test, and the magnitude of the association was the prevalence ratio (PR). Poisson regression model was performed, considering only the variables with a critical value of P < 0.20. The significance level was 5%. There was a prevalence of women (60.9%), and the average age of participants was 70 (±7.74) years. The prevalence of VDs was 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.8-55.9). The most common symptoms were throat sensation of phlegm (46.9%) and dry throat (46.7%), both related to physical sensations of laryngeal discomfort. Multivariate analysis indicated that the prevalence of VDs was independently associated with hyposalivation (PR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.80-2.88), smoking (PR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.65-2.52), self-reported hearing loss (PR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.28-1.78), and not seeking a physician or other health professional care for VDs (PR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.60-0.88). VDs are prevalent among Brazilian community-dwelling older adults and are associated with variables related to general health and lifestyle.