Nelson Roy1, Kristine Tanner2, Ray M Merrill3, Charisse Wright4, Karla L Miller5, Katherine A Kendall6. 1. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Electronic address: nelson.roy@health.utah.edu. 2. Department of Communication Disorders, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. 3. Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. 4. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. 5. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. 6. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which may adversely affect phonatory function. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, risks, and quality of life effects of voice disorders in RA. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: One hundred individuals with RA underwent a telephone interview to determine the frequency, severity, risks associated with, and quality of life burden of voice disorders. The results were analyzed using summary statistics, frequencies, chi-square tests, regression analysis, and risk ratios (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of participants with RA reported a current voice disorder which was chronic and long-standing in most cases. The prevalence of a current voice disorder did not significantly differ across age, sex, medication use, voice use patterns, medical history, or RA severity. These chronic voice disorders produced significant adverse effects on both voice-related quality of life and short form 36 health-related quality of life scales. Specific voice symptoms such as "voice-related discomfort" and "chronic throat dryness" contributed disproportionately to the quality of life burden. Of those participants with a voice disorder, only 37% had ever sought professional help to improve their voice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that voice disorders are common in RA and produce significant adverse effects on quality of life. Further research is necessary to better understand the origin of these disorders and their potential response to treatment.
OBJECTIVES:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which may adversely affect phonatory function. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, risks, and quality of life effects of voice disorders in RA. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: One hundred individuals with RA underwent a telephone interview to determine the frequency, severity, risks associated with, and quality of life burden of voice disorders. The results were analyzed using summary statistics, frequencies, chi-square tests, regression analysis, and risk ratios (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of participants with RA reported a current voice disorder which was chronic and long-standing in most cases. The prevalence of a current voice disorder did not significantly differ across age, sex, medication use, voice use patterns, medical history, or RA severity. These chronic voice disorders produced significant adverse effects on both voice-related quality of life and short form 36 health-related quality of life scales. Specific voice symptoms such as "voice-related discomfort" and "chronic throat dryness" contributed disproportionately to the quality of life burden. Of those participants with a voice disorder, only 37% had ever sought professional help to improve their voice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that voice disorders are common in RA and produce significant adverse effects on quality of life. Further research is necessary to better understand the origin of these disorders and their potential response to treatment.