Vocal Load of University Professors: Preliminary Results

Purpose: To describe the acoustic characteristics of a classroom, voice quality, fatigue, and vocal load of university professors. Methods: Exploratory, observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study with a single group of participants, including vocal monitoring data over two weeks. Acoustic characterization of the classroom, perceptual-auditory evaluation, and acoustic analysis of voice samples were conducted before and after classes. Vocal dosimetry was performed during classes, and the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) was assessed at the beginning of each week. Descriptive analysis of the findings was conducted, and randomization test was performed to verify the internal reliability of the judge. Results: All participants reported speaking loudly in the classroom, with the majority reporting vocal changes in the past six months, and only one participant reported a current vocal change. The classroom had acoustical measures and estimations that deviated from established standards. The professors used high vocal intensities during classes. After the classes, an increase in the absolute values of the aggregated data for CAPE-V, jitter, and fundamental frequency was found, varying within the range of normality. Furthermore, there was an observed increase in both post-lesson intensity and VFI when comparing the two-week period. Conclusions: Vocal intensities and VFI were possibly impacted by the acoustics of the classroom. The increase in average VFI between the weeks may be attributed to a cumulative fatigue sensation. Further research with a larger number of participants and in acoustically conditioned classrooms is suggested in order to evaluate collective intervention proposals aimed at reducing the vocal load on teachers.

Objetivo: Describir las características acústicas, calidad vocal, fatiga y carga vocal de profesores universitarios. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio, observacional, longitudinal, descriptivo con un solo grupo de participantes y datos de monitoreo vocal durante dos semanas. Se realizó caracterización acústica de la sala, evaluación auditiva-perceptiva y acústica de muestras de voz antes y después de las clases. Se realizó dosimetría vocal durante las clases y se verificó el Índice de Fatiga Vocal (IFV) en dos semanas. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los hallazgos y una prueba de aleatorización para verificar la confiabilidad interna del juez. Resultados: Todos los participantes informaron hablar en voz alta en clase, la mayoría informó cambios vocales en los últimos seis meses y solo uno informó cambios vocales actuales. La sala presentó mediciones y estimaciones acústicas fuera de las normas establecidas. Los profesores utilizaron intensidades vocales altas durante las clases. Hubo un aumento en los valores absolutos de los datos agrupados para CAPE-V, jitter y frecuencia fundamental, variando dentro de los límites normales, después de las clases. La intensidad después de las clases y el IFV, en la comparación entre las dos semanas, mostraron un aumento. Conclusiones: La dosis vocal y el IFV posiblemente se vieron afectados por la acústica del aula. El aumento del IFV medio entre semanas pudo deberse a la sensación de cansancio acumulada. Se sugieren nuevas investigaciones con un mayor número de participantes y que se realicen en la sala acondicionada acústicamente para evaluar propuestas de intervención colectiva, con el objetivo de reducir la carga vocal de los docentes.

Relationships between domains of functioning of workers with work-related disorders / Correlação entre domínios de funcionalidade de trabalhadoras com doenças musculoesqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho

Trabalhadoras com doenças musculoesqueléticas (DME) relacionadas ao trabalho possuem deficiências relacionadas às funções e estruturas do corpo, bem como têm dificuldades para executar atividades do cotidiano no âmbito individual e social. Somado a isso, os fatores do ambiente podem atuar como barreiras ou facilitadores, agravando ou melhorando o estado de saúde das pessoas. Objetivou-se verificar a correlação entre alguns domínios da saúde, que pertencem aos componentes das funções do corpo, atividades e participação e fatores ambientais de trabalhadoras estatutárias e não estatutárias com DME. Houve maior correlação negativa entre as funções mentais e sensoriais e de dor com as atividades e participação e fatores ambientais de trabalhadoras não estatutárias. As correlações indicaram que a funcionalidade das trabalhadoras não estatutárias esteve mais prejudicada, bem como as correlações positivas sinalizaram que maiores deficiências repercutiram em mais dificuldades na atividade e participação social. Quanto aos fatores ambientais como temperatura, vibração e atitudes foram obstáculos às funções mental e sensorial e de dor

Workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) have impairments in the body functions and structures, and have difficulty performing daily activities and developing social participation. Environmental factors can act negatively or positively as barriers or facilitators, worsening or improving the health status of people. This study assessed the relationship between health domains, based on components of body functions, activities and participation and environmental factors of non-statutory and statutory workers with WMDS. The negative relationships were stronger between mental and sensory functions and pain and activities/participation and environmental factors of non-statutory workers. The relationships signaled that the more impairments, the more difficulties. Environmental factors such as temperature, vibration and attitudes hindered mental and sensory functions and pain

Servidores com deficiência vinculados à administração pública indireta no nordeste do Brasil / Disabled civil servants with ties to the indirect public administration in the northeast of Brazil / Servidores públicos con discapacidad vinculados a la administración pública indirecta en el noreste de Brasil

Resumo A Constituição Federal de 1988 estabeleceu vagas específicas às pessoas com deficiência no setor público brasileiro. O artigo teve por objetivo traçar o perfil demográfico e socioeconômico das pessoas com deficiência nos nove estados do Nordeste e compará-lo ao dos servidores sem deficiência, no ano de 2017. Estudo transversal com dados secundários da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais sobre 312.194 servidores. Calcularam-se as frequências de servidores com e sem deficiência segundo sexo, tipo de deficiência, faixa etária, escolaridade, ocupação, tipo de vínculo, tempo de emprego, remuneração e carga horária semanal. O percentual de pessoas com deficiência esteve abaixo de 2%, idade média 44,2 anos (DP 10,4), predomínio do sexo masculino, escolaridade fundamental completo e vínculo celetista. Ao estratificar por tipo de vínculo e demais variáveis, o servidor sem deficiência possui maior tempo de emprego, maior salário-hora, maior remuneração e menor carga horária semanal do que servidores com deficiência. A menor presença feminina entre as pessoas com deficiência no setor público e as menores remunerações percebidas no grupo de servidores com deficiência podem nortear, dentro desses espaços, a necessidade de mais políticas de inclusão e isonomia e de estudos nessa linha de investigação.

Abstract The 1988 Brazilian Federal Constitution established specific posts for disables people in the public sector. The present article had the goal of describing the demographic and socioeconomic profile of disabled persons in the nine states of the Northeastern region of Brazil and compare it to that of the civil servants without disabilities in 2017. It is a cross-sectional study with secondary data from the Annual List of Social Data about 312,194 civil servants. We calculated the frequencies of the civil servants with and without disabilities according to gender, type of disability, age group, level of schooling, occupation, type of employment bond, time on the job, wage, and weekly working hours. The percentage of people with disabilities was below 2%, and the sample had a mean age of 44.2 years (standard deviation: 10.4), a higher prevalence of the male gender, basic level of schooling, and their jobs were tied to the Brazilian Consolidated Labor Legislation. By stratifying by type of employment bond and other variables, the civil servant without disability has a longer time on the job, higher hourly wages, higher wages, and lower weekly working hours than the disabled civil servants. The lower presence of women among the persons with disabilities in the public sector, as well as the lower wages verified among the group of disabled civil servants may guide, within those spaces, the need for more policies of inclusion and isonomy, as well as for more studies following this line of investigation.

Resumen La Constitución Federal Brasileña de 1988 estableció plazas específicas para las personas con discapacidad en el sector público. El artículo tiene el objetivo de describir el perfil demográfico y socioeconómico de las personas con discapacidad en los nueve estados de la región Noreste de Brasil y compararlo con el de los servidores sin discapacidad en el año 2017. Se trata de un estudio transversal con datos secundarios de la Relación Anual de Informaciones Sociales sobre 312.194 servidores. Calculamos las frecuencias de servidores con y sin discapacidad según el género, el tipo de discapacidad, la franja etaria, la escolaridad, la ocupación, el tipo de vínculo, el tiempo en el trabajo, la remuneración y las horas semanales de trabajo. El porcentaje de personas con discapacidad estuvo abajo del 2%, y la muestra tenía edad media de 44,2 años (desviación estándar: 10,4), predominio del género masculino, escolaridad básica completa, y vínculo con la Consolidación de Leyes Laborales. Al estratificar por tipo de vínculo y por otras variables, el servidor sin discapacidad tiene más tempo en el trabajo, sueldo horario más alto, remuneración más alta, y menos horas de trabajo semanales que los servidores con discapacidad. La menor presencia femenina entre las personas con discapacidad en el sector público y las remuneraciones más bajas verificadas en el grupo de servidores con discapacidad pueden nortear, en eses espacios, la necesidad de más políticas de inclusión e isonomía, y de estudios en esa línea de investigación.

Artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers: analyzing the impact of upper limb functioning and disability on health-related quality of life.

The aim is to analyze upper limb functioning and disability, and its association with health-related quality of life among artisanal fisherwomen from Bahia, Brazil. Cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with a sample of 209 fisherwomen. Structured questionnaires were used for socio-demographic and comorbidity information, as well as the instruments Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36) respectively, to evaluate the upper limbs and health-related quality of life. The results demonstrated that the presence of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limbs directly affects the values of the DASH instrument and the SF-36v01 questionnaire scores, while also generating a negative correlation between the DASH and SF-36v01. The varying functioning abilities, pain and social aspects negatively affect upper limb function, and the daily activities and work of fisherwomen. The presence of chronic disease and the absence of intervention and rehabilitation for these professionals, that could produces, in a long-term, cases of disability.

Artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers: analyzing the impact of upper limb functioning and disability on health-related quality of life / Pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras: análise do impacto da funcionalidade e incapacidade de membros superiores sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde

Abstract The aim is to analyze upper limb functioning and disability, and its association with health-related quality of life among artisanal fisherwomen from Bahia, Brazil. Cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with a sample of 209 fisherwomen. Structured questionnaires were used for socio-demographic and comorbidity information, as well as the instruments Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36) respectively, to evaluate the upper limbs and health-related quality of life. The results demonstrated that the presence of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limbs directly affects the values of the DASH instrument and the SF-36v01 questionnaire scores, while also generating a negative correlation between the DASH and SF-36v01. The varying functioning abilities, pain and social aspects negatively affect upper limb function, and the daily activities and work of fisherwomen. The presence of chronic disease and the absence of intervention and rehabilitation for these professionals, that could produces, in a long-term, cases of disability.

Resumo O objetivo foi analisar a incapacidade e a funcionalidade de membros superiores e verificar sua associação com a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde de pescadoras artesanais da Bahia, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico, de corte transversal, envolvendo uma amostra de 209 pescadoras artesanais. Foram utilizados questionários estruturados para informações sociodemográficas e comorbidades e os instrumentos Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) e Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36), para, respectivamente, avaliação dos membros superiores e qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que a presença de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos (DME) em membros superiores afeta diretamente os valores do instrumento DASH e os escores do SF-36v01, bem como a correlação negativa encontrada entre o DASH e os domínios do SF-36v01. As variáveis capacidade funcional, dor e aspectos sociais afetam negativamente a funcionalidade de membros superiores e as atividades do cotidiano e do trabalho de pescadoras artesanais. A presença de doença crônica e a ausência de intervenção e reabilitação desses profissionais geram, a longo prazo, casos de incapacidade.

Health-Related Quality of Life among Artisanal Fisherwomen/Shellfish Gatherers: Lower than the General Population.

Quality of life is an indicator of how well one perceives that he/she is functioning physically and mentally. The aim of this paper is to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers from the Saubara municipality in Bahia, Brazil in comparison to the general population. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 209 artisanal fisherwomen selected at random. The HRQOL questionnaire, known as the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 1 (SF-36v01), was also used, having been translated and verified cross-culturally for the Brazilian population. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and comorbidity information was also collected. Chronic diseases and indicators of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were self-reported. The study population consisted primarily of individuals between 30 and 45 years of age (78%), of self-classified races black or brown (96.2%), with no more than an elementary school education (77%) and married (64.6%). In all the SF-36v01 dimensions, the values in the sample were lower than in the general population of Brazil, which was used as the reference population. In the "Physical Health" domain (Physical Functioning; Physical Role Limitations; Bodily Pain; General Health Perception) a tendency toward a lower health-related quality of life was observed among those who were older, had a lower education level, and had a prevalence of MSDs, hypertension or arthritis. The interference of health conditions linked to the fisherwomen's work activities may contribute to lower HRQOL in all analyzed aspects, in comparison to the general population. In light of these findings, public health policies must consider these informal workers who contribute greatly to Brazil's economy and food system.

Factors associated with providing social security benefits for traumatic brain injury resulting from occupational accidents.

INTRODUCTION: The Occupational Accident (OA) is considered to be an important public health problem in Brazil. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common among them. The TBI is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates among workers. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with providing social security benefits for TBI due to occupational accidents according to the specific type of economic activity in Brazil, in 2009. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted with all workers who were part of the General Regime of Social Security (RGPS) of Brazil. Secondary data were obtained from the National Information System Benefit, from the Synchronized National Register of the Ministry of Finance and from the General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons. Data were analyzed using the multiple logistic regression method. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,006 cases of social security benefits for traumatic brain injury due to Occupational Accident. Factors associated with the concession of the benefit according to the economic activity of the Company of the beneficiary were identified. Associations were found with sex, income and the region of the Company. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with the concession of social security benefits by TBI resulting from OA differ depending on the type of economic activity in the study. Understanding these factors may contribute to the planning of preventive policies.

Factors associated with providing social security benefits for traumatic brain injury resulting from occupational accidents / Fatores associados à concessão de benefício previdenciário por traumatismo cranioencefálico decorrente de acidente de trabalho

INTRODUCTION: The Occupational Accident (OA) is considered to be an important public health problem in Brazil. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common among them. The TBI is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates among workers. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with providing social security benefits for TBI due to occupational accidents according to the specific type of economic activity in Brazil, in 2009. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted with all workers who were part of the General Regime of Social Security (RGPS) of Brazil. Secondary data were obtained from the National Information System Benefit, from the Synchronized National Register of the Ministry of Finance and from the General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons. Data were analyzed using the multiple logistic regression method. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,006 cases of social security benefits for traumatic brain injury due to Occupational Accident. Factors associated with the concession of the benefit according to the economic activity of the Company of the beneficiary were identified. Associations were found with sex, income and the region of the Company. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with the concession of social security benefits by TBI resulting from OA differ depending on the type of economic activity in the study. Understanding these factors may contribute to the planning of preventive policies. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O Acidente de Trabalho (AT) é considerado um importante agravo à saúde do trabalhador no Brasil, sendo o Traumatismo Cranioencefálico (TCE) o mais comum dentre eles. O TCE está associado a altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade entre trabalhadores. OBJETIVO: Verificar os fatores associados à concessão de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de acidente de trabalho de acordo com o ramo de atividade econômica específica, no Brasil, em 2009. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal que foi conduzido com todos os trabalhadores que integram o Regime Geral da Previdência Social (RGPS) do Brasil. Dados secundários foram obtidos do Sistema Único de Informações de Benefícios, do Cadastro Sincronizado Nacional do Ministério da Fazenda e do Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados e analisados utilizando-se regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 2.006 casos de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de AT no Brasil, e identificaram-se fatores associados à concessão do benefício diferenciados de acordo com a seção da Classificação Nacional de Atividades Econômicas à qual o beneficiário estava vinculado. Foram encontradas associações com o sexo, a renda e a região da empresa. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores associados à concessão de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de AT diferem a depender da CNAE em estudo. A compreensão desses fatores poderá contribuir com o planejamento de políticas públicas de caráter preventivo. .