Prevalence of and Sociodemographic Factors Related to Voice Disorders in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES

Studies on the prevalence of and the sociodemographic factors related to voice disorders are rare. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of voice disorders and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with an increased risk of voice disorder.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011. Subjects consisted of 19 636 men and women aged ≥19 years. Sociodemographic factors including occupation, level of education, health status, and economic activity were assessed by means of individual interviews, and health behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and subjective voice problems were assessed with the use of self-administered questionnaires. Laryngology interviews and vocal fold examinations were also conducted.

RESULTS

The prevalence of voice disorders was 8.12% (n = 1594). Subjective perception of the presence of voice problems was significantly higher in individuals with vocal nodules and vocal polyps (27.7% and 23.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, voice disorders were found to be associated with age, gender, education level, and health status (P < 0.05) but were not associated with occupation, household income, smoking, or alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this large epidemiologic study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of voice disorders, and the specific data regarding sociodemographic factors and health behaviors suggest potential ways of targeting counseling and prevention efforts to control voice disorders.