Voice Symptoms among South American Prospective Teachers: Associated Factors and Direct Costs

Results indicate that voice symptoms among teachers emerge during training years, when teaching practice begins. Interestingly, like in-service teachers, preservice teachers reported a low proportion of use of healthcare services due to voice symptoms, highlighting the lack of awareness about the importance of voice as a teaching tool. Therefore, primary prevention actions are advised to include education and training on the relationship between teachers' working conditions and voice disorders, as well as awareness of the voice as a primary working tool for teachers, with implementation strategies adapted to diverse South American educational contexts.