Voice Symptoms among Mexican Prospective Teachers

Background: In Mexico, prospective teachers undergo different levels of training, yet there is a noticeable absence of data regarding the vocal health of these future occupational voice users. This knowledge gap hinders the establishment of vocal health standards for student teachers. Methods: To address this, we conducted a cross-sectional study aimed at identifying the prevalence and contributing factors of voice symptoms among Mexican student teachers. Participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics, which included questions on demographics, teaching and learning conditions, occupational and training-related voice use, as well as the Index of Screening of Voice Disorders (ISVD) comprising eleven questions about different voice symptoms. Results: This study gathered responses from 987 student teachers, showing that approximately 82% reported experiencing at least one of the eleven ISVD symptoms. Most of the participants reported two symptoms (10%), followed by three symptoms (9.4%). The linear regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between the stage of training and the number of symptoms, with students in their second and third years exhibiting a Beta value of 0.79 and 0.80, respectively. Moreover, student teachers engaged in academic practical activities had nearly a 70% higher likelihood of reporting at least one voice symptom compared to their peers without such activities (OR=1.7). No statistically significant associations were found with weekly hours of occupational or training-related voice use, nor with elevated levels of background noise in the academic institutions where practical activities were conducted. Conclusion: In summary, a high prevalence of voice symptoms among Mexican student teachers was found, with second and third-year students reporting higher symptom counts. Engaging in academic practical activities raised the likelihood of reporting voice symptoms by nearly 70%. Notably, weekly occupational voice use and background noise levels did not show significant associations. These findings highlight the urgency of addressing vocal health issues among Mexican student teachers.