Voice disorders and associated risk markers among young adults in the United States

Abstract

Objective To examine the prevalence of voice disorders in young adults and identify socio-demographic factors, health conditions, and behaviors associated with voice disorder prevalence. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health Methods During home interviews, 14,794 young adults, aged 24–34 years, reported their health conditions and behaviors. Presence and duration of voice disorders were reported over the past 12 months. We computed overall and stratified prevalence estimates by age, gender, race/ethnicity, medical conditions, smoking and alcohol use. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for a voice disorder while accounting for the complex sample design. Results Six percent of participants reported a voice disorder lasting at least 3 days. Females had 56% greater odds of voice disorders than males. Number of days drinking alcohol was associated with voice disorders, but number of smoking days was not. Conditions which increased the likelihood of voice disorders included hypertension (OR=1.42 (1.07, 1.89)), tinnitus (OR=1.53(1.06, 2.20)), and anxiety/panic disorder (OR=1.26 (1.00, 1.60)). Results were independent of gender, alcohol consumption, upper respiratory symptoms, lower respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis/emphysema, and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea/nausea/vomiting). Conclusion Voice disorders in young adulthood were associated with hypertension, tinnitus, and anxiety. Greater awareness of these relationships may facilitate voice evaluation among people who seek health care for these chronic conditions.

Health disparities among adults with voice problems in the United States

“…Gender has been well‐established as a risk factor for voice disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that women have a higher prevalence of voice disorders compared to males . The differences in laryngeal anatomy and phonatory physiology in women may contribute to a higher frequency of reported voice disorders .…”

“…In this study, we are the first to report health disparities and barriers in access to care in a national study of adults who reported voice problems in the United States. There have been relatively few epidemiological studies investigating disparities or healthcare access among adults with voice disorders . The annual prevalence of voice problems among adults in the United States has been reported to be 6% to 8% .…”

“…The geriatric population has been reported to be associated with a higher prevalence of vocal problems as well . Voice disorders in the elderly ( > 65 years old) have been described in the literature to range in prevalence from 19% to 29% compared to 6% in young adults . Presbylaryngis and dysphonia secondary to disease processes have been proposed to be responsible for the majority of voice disorders seen in the elderly, but there is disagreement among clinicians regarding how significantly age‐related processes play a role .…”

Effect of diabetes mellitus on voice: a systematic review

“…Figure illustrates the process involved for article screening and selection using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Five studies were found to be suitable for inclusion. The study characteristics in terms of study design and participant details are depicted in Table .…”

“…All the studies mentioned taking informed consent from the participants, except Wang et al . The sample size and drop‐ out rate justification was provided only by one study . The GRADE approach rated all studies as a low rating, since all used an observational study design.…”