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Learning Objective 1: identified potential patients suffering from hoarseness, and ensuring that patients attend treatment on time.
Learning Objective 2: identified nurses' role regarding hoarseness treatment
Methods: Data was collected from 95 patients diagnosed with hoarseness. A 32-item questionnaire was constructed This questionnaire included professional field, symptoms, personal and medical care patterns and implications of hoarseness on work and social lives. In addition, the questionnaire included open ended questions.
Results: Findings showed that most of those who suffered from hoarseness used speech as a major working tool (teachers and sales people), whereas others used to work in noisy environments, including construction sites and plants. Also in this group were soldiers who were forced to shout in order to be heard over long distances. Average time gap between first symptoms and first treatment was 2.25 months, increasing to several years, in some cases. All participants reported attempts to treat the problem on their own, using "folk remedy". More than half mentioned that their work was harmed due to hoarseness, and average absence rate was 18.42 days. Some reported that hoarseness made them change their occupational field. Nearly half the participants reported that their social relations were affected by hoarseness.
Conclusion: Findings may define nurses' role regarding hoarseness treatment, and direct nurses toward preventive measures, identification of potential patients, habit change guidance and ensuring that patients attend treatment on time.