Work

Incidence and nature of functional voice disorders

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Functional voice disorders (FVDs) result from inefficient vocal use without an organic cause and have an underreported incidence. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and nature of FVDs among treatment-seeking patients at a private interdisciplinary voice clinic in Pretoria, South Africa. METHOD: A retrospective quantitative design was used to analyse data from 86 patients diagnosed with FVDs between January 2017 and July 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. RESULTS: The incidence rate of FVDs was 16.67% among 516 patients with voice disorders. The primary diagnosis was muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), affecting 80.2% of cases. The most common secondary diagnosis was laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR) at 39.5%. Hoarseness was the most reported symptom. No significant differences were found between occupational and non-occupational voice users. CONCLUSION: The findings clarify the incidence and nature of FVDs in the South African context.Contribution: It underscores the need for greater awareness of FVDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as future research on prevention and management strategies.

Source: South African Journal of Communication Disorders

DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1117

Authors: Yusra M. Bhaila, Jeannie van der Linde, Carmen Milton, Marien A. Graham

Institution: University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Voice and Speech Disorders

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $563