Smoking and alcohol intake: prevalence among teachers, singers, telemarketers and actors

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and relation of smoking and alcohol intake among teachers, singers, telemarketers, and actors, according to gender and age. Methods: 400 individuals were included in the research, of which there were 100 participants of each of the professions, namely: teachers, singers, telemarketers and actors. All responded the Questionnaire for the Identification of Vocal Health Habits in Voice Professionals. Statistic analysis crossed professional categories, gender and age with smoking and alcohol intake (p<0,05). Results: The research included 233 (58.25%) females and 167 (41.75%) males. The ages ranged from 18 to 50 years. Most of the teachers and telemarketers were female and, on the other hand, most of the singers and actors were male. 19.75% (n=79) were smokers, of which most were from the group of telemarketers (n=26/ 6.5%). With respect to the alcohol consumption, 44.5% (n=178) of the individuals responded that they consume alcohol, while the actors group recorded the highest percentage (n=58/ 14,5%). A statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison between smoking and gender in singers (p<0.002) and telemarketers (p<0.02) groups, and alcohol intake and age in telemarketers (p<0.03) group. Conclusion: The percentage of voice professionals who smoke and consume alcohol varies according to the category analyzed, i.e., the telemarketers were the group with more smokers, and actors were the group that presented more individuals who consume alcohol. A statistically significant difference was noted in telemarketers (male and younger in greater numbers) and singers (men outnumber) groups in the association of these variables with gender and age.