Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-31).Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2010."A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, June 30, 2010."Voice disorders affect 6% of school-age children in the western countries. However, similar
researches are not available in Hong Kong. The present study aims to investigate the
prevalence of voice problems in school-age children in Hong Kong and the associated risk
factors. Data were collected from 742 parents of school-age children using self-reported
questionnaires. The results revealed that the prevalence of reporting a current voice problem
was 5.4% and the prevalence of voice disorders during their lifetime was 8.6%. The results
also identified that voice intensity, pitch, temperament, presenting with the habit of
screaming, tense muscle, diagnosed articulation problem and diagnosed dyslexia, and having
a tense and hurried communication mode at home were associated with increased risks of
developing voice problems. The study provides empirical data to support and urge the need
for parental education on awareness on vocal hygiene, signs of developing voice problem and
the correct use of voice.published_or_final_versionSpeech and Hearing SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
