Abstract

BRASIL, Christina César Praça et al. Approaches and Methodological Characteristics of Qualitative Studies on Teachers’ Vocal Health: Integrative Review. NTQR [online]. 2023, vol.18, e892.  Epub Nov 30, 2023. ISSN 2184-7770.  https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.18.2023.e892.

Most occupational voice disorders are functional in nature. Excessive and prolonged vocal effort can lead to the development of chronic alterations. The large amount of scientific information produced and disseminated in the field of vocal health requires specialists to pay close attention to the best evidence that helps solve or alleviate the problem. Objectives: Investigate the main themes and methodological approaches of qualitative studies on teachers' vocal health. Methods: Integrative review carried out in the main health data bases and portals, following the steps: choice of theme and elaboration of the guiding question; eligibility criteria of articles for inclusion and exclusion; search strategy, study selection and data extraction; analysis of collected data. The guiding question was: “What are the main issues addressed and methodological characteristics of the qualitative research that deals with the vocal health of teachers published from January 2012 to December 2022?” Results: There were identified 364 studies, with the inclusion of 21 for analysis. The main objectives of the selected investigations refer to the perceptions of teachers or health professionals about: proposals for intervention and promotion of vocal health; factors that interfere with vocal health; association between vocal health and work; association between vocal health and quality of life; evaluation of technology focused on vocal health; and the speech therapist's role in the teacher's vocal health. Semi-structured interviews were the most used strategies for data collection, and content analysis for data analysis and organization. Some articles with a mixed approach were observed. Conclusions: This article helps to expand knowledge about qualitative studies in the area of teachers' vocal health, highlighting its characteristics and strengthening the association between theory and practice, which contributes to decision-making and the application of best practices in health care.

Keywords : Vocal Health; Teacher, Qualitative research; Systematic review.

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