Abstract :
Introduction: Hawkers have been identified as at increased risk of developing an occupational voice disorder. Hawkers are particularly at risk as they have little opportunity for voice rest during the working day. The consequences of voice disorder may have an impact on hawker's social and professional life as well as their mental, physical and emotional state and their ability to communicate.rnAims: To determine the prevalence of voice disorder and the relationship between voice disorder with associated risk factors such as smoking and other lifestyle factors among hawkers in Mumbai, India..rnMaterials and Methods: A 30 item questionnaire addressing the prevalence of voice disorder and potential risk factors was administered to 100 hawkers from various markets in Mumbai.rnResults: The results showed that the prevalence of a voice disorder was 31.6% among the hawkers. Females are more prone of to have a voice disorder. Sore throat is found to be the most common vocal symptom followed by coughing, blocked nose swollen gland, phlegm and the least common symptom seen is throat infection Smoking, tobacco, years of experience, and duration of work is significantly associated with voice disorder.rnConclusion: This study conclude that excessive use of vocal ability leads to a voice disorder.
Keyword :
Voice disorder, Hawkers, Risk factors, Lifestyle factors.