Problem statement: Occupational voice users such as teachers, singers, lawyers, telemarketers are at risk for developing dysphonia. Vocal abuse can lead to symptoms of voice soreness, hoarseness, weakness, sorethroat and aphonia resulting in a reduction in job functioning and performance.

Purposes of study: The purposes of the study were to determine the prevalence of dysphonia and its associated factors among primary school teachers in a district in Northeastern Malaysia.

Methods: This cross sectional study evaluated 331 teachers from eight primary schools that were randomly sampled. A questionnaire which included the translated and validated malay-Voice Handicap Index 10 (m-VHI-10) as well as sociodemographic and occupational characteristics was distributed and self-administered. Participants who had a m-VHI-10 score of 12 or more were classified as having dysphonia. Data entry and analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 22.

Results: The prevalence of dysphonia among primary school teachers was 7.9 percent. It was found that hours of teaching per week [OR: 1.04 (95% CI 1.01, 1.08): p=0.028] and having more than four children [OR: 2.38 (95% CI 1.03, 5.51) p=0.042] were significantly associated with dysphonia among primary school teachers.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dysphonia among primary school teachers in northeastern Malaysia was relatively low as compared to other countries. However, this established occupational health problem should not be undermined but need more awareness and interventional efforts in order to prevent an escalation in the magnitude of this disorder.