Cuidados com a voz: uma proposta de intervenção fonoaudiológica para adolescentes

Abstract

Objective: To check the response of teenagers to a website about voice in which voice is presented both as a mechanical product and a communication instrument. Method: Based on questionnaires on a website directed to adolescents, divided into two steps (before and after website browsing), we collected personal data and answers about knowledge on vocal production, vocal care and voice use as a communication instrument. Next, data were submitted to descriptive and analytical analysis. Results: The group comprised subjects of both genders (M=139; F=173), most of them aged 18 to 19 years (41.3%). The dissemination media that most impacted teenagers were internet (39.1%). Teenagers most frequently stated that voice was a sound, a mechanical product of the body (62.8%). However, after browsing the website, many teenagers expanded this knowledge, referring to voice as a communication instrument. Concerning the number of references to both harmful (802→1201) and beneficial (736→1121) vocal habits, there was an increase in references after accessing the website. Data on voice as communication instrument showed that most of them (59.9%) referred pleasant sensations when communicating and 75.8% of the teenagers attributed positive terms to their voice, but male teenagers referred more negative terms to their voices which were more specifically related to vocal instability. Conclusion: Similarly to other health-related areas, Speech and Voice Therapy can have internet as a source through which health information can be disseminated.