RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition in older adults with significant implications for health and quality of life (QOL). However, its prevalence and associated factors in the Indian community-dwelling older adults remain understudied. The present study aims at identifying the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in Indian community-dwelling older adults and identifying the age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia in this population. METHODS: Total 384 community-dwelling older adults (60 years of age or older) who were independent in performing daily activities were included in the present study. The Malayalam version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was used to assess individuals at risk for dysphagia. Additionally, they also completed a self-report questionnaire addressing age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia. RESULT: Using the Malayalam version of the EAT-10, the present study identified the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in 9.9% of community-dwelling older adults. Among the EAT-10 symptoms, cough while/after swallowing, difficulty swallowing solids and difficulty swallowing liquids were the most prevalent symptoms reported by participants. Increase in age and age-related comorbidities such as tooth loss, history of heart failure and digestive diseases were found to be significantly associated with the reporting of risk for dysphagia symptoms. CONCLUSION: As dysphagia symptoms significantly impact the social, psychological and QOL of community-dwelling older adults, it is important to develop awareness about these symptoms among older adults, caretakers and physicians. Early detection and appropriate management of community-dwelling older adults at risk for dysphagia can contribute to better health outcomes and improved QOL.

Asunto(s)

Trastornos de Deglución , Vida Independiente , Humanos , Trastornos de Deglución/epidemiología , Trastornos de Deglución/etiología , Anciano , Prevalencia , Masculino , Femenino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Calidad de Vida , India/epidemiología , Factores de Edad , Factores de Riesgo , Comorbilidad

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Vocal health and hygiene are well addressed for professional singers, but less attention has been paid to singing trainees/students whose vocal demands vary significantly from trained singers. Studies conducted in the literature on singing trainees have reported a higher prevalence of voice problems in them; however, no such information is available from Indian classical singing trainees. Hence, the present study explored the frequency and nature of voice problems, self-reported vocal health and awareness of vocal hygiene and its practices in Carnatic singing trainees. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive sampling method. The data were gathered from 135 Carnatic classical singing trainees. The participants completed a self-reported questionnaire addressing demographic and singing-related details, vocal symptoms, variables associated with increased risk reporting voice problems and knowledge about factors influencing vocal health. RESULTS: The experience of past and point prevalence of voice problems in Carnatic singing students were found to be 29% and 15%, respectively. Difficulty singing higher notes, hoarseness, tired voice, loss of ability to sing/speak loudly, and breathiness in higher pitch range were the most prevalent vocal symptom reported by Carnatic singing trainees. Nasal allergies, dry mouth/throat, and excessive stress in daily routine activities raising voice many times a day, dry mouth/throat and excessive talking in social situations was found to have a significant association with singing trainees reporting voice problems. However, availing medical assistance for voice problems was found to be poor in this group of singing students. CONCLUSION: Similar to trainees of other form of singing, Carnatic singing trainees also found to have a higher frequency of voice problems. Most of the singing trainees were found to be in their adolescent age period, and they face instability in their voice and are more vulnerable to develop voice problems. This indicates the need for in-depth understanding of voice problems experienced by Carnatic singing trainees aiming to promote their vocal health and prevent injury and be successful in their singing career.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the interest and knowledge levels of Indian Carnatic classical singers concerning the vocal function and dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Self-reporting vocal awareness questionnaire for singers comprising 61 items under nine sections developed by Braum-Janzen and Zeine was adopted and validated to the Carnatic music context. The data was gathered using the snowball sampling method. Each participant spent 10-15 minutes to fill the questionnaire. The 100 participants were divided into two groups based on years of individual singing experience, group 1: Singers with less than 10 years, group 2: Singers with greater than 10 years of individual singing experience. RESULTS: Few singers reported a thorough understanding in all areas except anatomy and physiology of voice production. As indicated by most of the singers, they were very much interested in expanding their knowledge in (1) the anatomy and physiology of the voice, (2) the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the voice, (3) the care of the voice, (4) optimal use of the speaking voice, and (5) functional vocal disorders. Further, in both the groups, there was a high number of incorrect and don't know responses. Differences in knowledge levels and interest levels between the two groups were non-significant in all areas (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the high number of incorrect and don't know responses suggest that many Carnatic singers do not have even basic knowledge of vocal function and dysfunction, and could benefit from education in these areas. Hence, SLPs need to develop education programs for Carnatic singers towards vocal function and dysfunction so that the development of voice problems in Carnatic singers can be prevented.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vocal loading and the immediate effects of straw phonation in water exercises on parameters of vocal loading in Carnatic classical singers. STUDY DESIGN: A within-subject pretest-posttest design. METHODS: Twelve healthy Carnatic classical singers participated in the vocal loading experiment for 2 days, referred to as no-treatment and treatment conditions. The vocal loading task consisted of 1 hour of continuous singing in the presence of background noise. For the treatment condition, the participants followed a 10-minute straw phonation in water exercises before the vocal loading task. Acoustic, electroglottographic, and self-rated perceptual voice measures were recorded before and after the vocal loading task on both days. RESULTS: Pretest and posttest comparison of various outcome measures during no-treatment day suggested a significant increase in shimmer percent, decrease in maximum phonation duration of vowel /a/, and increase in perceived phonatory effort, perceived vocal effort, and Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily scores. Pretest and posttest comparisons during treatment day showed a significant increase in Mean F0, Highest F0, and Lowest F0, perceived phonatory effort, and perceived vocal effort scores. However, changes in Mean F0, Highest F0, and Lowest F0 measures were small in the posttest condition compared to pretest. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that vocal loading did induce changes in Carnatic classical singers' voices. However, there is no substantial evidence that straw phonation is effective in reducing the vocal loading in Carnatic classical singers. Further studies are required to corroborate the current findings.

Asunto(s)

Canto , Voz , Humanos , Agua , Calidad de la Voz , Fonación , Entrenamiento de la Voz

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Teachers are the most common occupational group reporting to the voice clinics with dysphonia across the globe. However, less is known about teachers' perceptions about their voice and voice problems. Hence the present study aimed to explore teachers' perception about their teaching voice, voice problems and vocal health-seeking behaviors. METHOD: A qualitative phenomenological research design using semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen female primary school teachers. Participants were asked to express their perception of teaching voice, vocal health care knowledge, and vocal hygiene practices. Using inductive analysis, the researchers converted the raw data into concepts or themes and discussed. RESULT: The present study results showed that teachers perceive voice as the primary tool for their profession. However, teachers consider voice problems as part of their professional commitments. Despite knowing the harmful effects of voice problems, teachers' pay less attention to their voice problems and perceive them as usual, unavoidable and part of their profession. Due to their demanding work schedule and not getting enough support from the management, they hesitate to consult medical professionals unless it severely affects them. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained from this study can be used to improve the teachers' knowledge regarding vocal health and convince the school management to extend their support for the successful implementation of the vocal health training programs for teachers.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting the prevalence of voice problems in the non-professional voice users are rare. Thus, the objective of this preliminary investigation was to explore; (1) the prevalence of self-reported voice problems, and (2) its impact on the nonprofessional voice users. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional survey that was distributed to 500 nonprofessional voice users working in different educational institutions in the Manipal city of Karnataka state, India. The results of the study are discussed based on the 426 qualified questionnaire responses. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of voice problem was 21.6% (n = 92), with 4.9% (n = 21) of the participants reporting it on the day of the survey. The self-reported prevalence of voice problems was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in female (64%, n = 59) as compared to male participants (35.8%, n = 33). Voice problems affected job performance by 34.7% (n = 32) and caused work absenteeism in 11.9% (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study indicated that a significant number of nonprofessional voice users suffer from voice problems, and it has a significant impact on their job performance. Hence, in future large scale, epidemiological studies are needed with randomly selected samples of different age groups, gender, income status, educational level, area of residence to understand the possible risk factors, and impact of voice problem on the quality of life in general working and not working nonprofessional voice users in India.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Profesionales , Trastornos de la Voz , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Masculino , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Calidad de Vida , Factores de Riesgo , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Dysphonia is one of the most common side effects of long-term inhaler therapy containing corticosteroids in asthma or asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO) patients. This common, often reversible side effect is due to the structural changes in the vocal folds resulting from steroid deposition. This study determines the structural changes and voice profile of patients on long-term inhaler therapy by videostroboscopy and perceptual voice profile analysis. It also determines the duration, formulation, and drug delivery system producing the least side effects during therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. METHODS: In total, 196 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma or ACO were divided into cases (patients on at least 6-month combination inhaler therapy) and controls (newly diagnosed patients not on inhaler therapy) and recruited in the study. They were assessed by videostroboscopy for structural changes and GRBAS (grade of hoarseness, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain) perceptual scale for voice profile changes. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysphonia was significantly higher in cases (62.2%) than controls (27.6%). Prevalence of laryngeal structural changes and voice profile changes were higher in cases. The prevalence of dysphonia and structural changes among cases was much lower when a spacer was used (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study adds evidence to the long-term side effects of combination inhaler therapy containing corticosteroids on the larynx as demonstrated by videostroboscopy and perceptual voice profile analysis. It also propagates the use of spacers in drug delivery to reduce the prevalence of side effects during long-term inhaler therapy.

Asunto(s)

Asma , Disfonía , Corticoesteroides/uso terapéutico , Asma/tratamiento farmacológico , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Disfonía/diagnóstico , Ronquera , Humanos , Nebulizadores y Vaporizadores

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available literature on the prevalence, self-reported voice symptoms, and associated risk factors for the development of voice problems in call center operators (CCO). STUDY DESIGN: a systematic review METHODS: An electronic search from five databases based on the guidance of preferred reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) yielded 15 articles that reported the different aspects of voice problems in CCOs. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the National Institute of Health (NIH) questionnaire. RESULTS: The career prevalence of voice problems in CCOs varied from 33% to 68%, whereas point prevalence was at 27%. Hoarse/rough voice was the most prominent symptom reported by most of the studies. Vocal fatigue, effortful voice, and breaks/cracks in voice were the other reported vocal symptoms. Long working hours, short breaks between calls, noisy working environment, dry work environment, work stress, stressful calls, limited breaks, prolonged use of voice, insufficient vocal rest, throat clearing, and more caffeinated beverage intake were different risk factors having significant association with telemarketers reporting vocal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The present study results suggest that CCOs are at higher risk of developing voice problems. Further, the different vocal symptoms reported by CCOs are suggestive of vocal fatigue. In addition, multiple risk factors may be associated with the development of voice problems. However, the available literature is limited, and further studies with a larger sample size are required to corroborate the current findings.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Choir singing is an important tradition of Christian worship across India. However, vocal health issues related to the church choir singers are less addressed in the literature. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vocal symptoms, identify the variables associated with increased risk of voice problems and knowledge of factors influencing vocal health in church choir singers. METHOD: One hundred and forty-eight church choir singers (61 males and 85 females) between the age range of 18 and 70 years participated in the study. They completed a self-reported questionnaire addressing demographic and singing-related details, vocal symptoms, variables associated with increased risk reporting voice problems and knowledge about factors influencing vocal health. RESULT: Eighty-four percent of the choir singers reported two or more vocal symptoms sometimes or more frequently while or after singing. More than half of the church choir singers had experienced vocal symptoms such as accessing notes in the upper range, loss of vocal endurance, pitch breaks, hoarseness, dryness in the throat, and discomfort in the throat. Among the different variables, systemic hydration found to have a significant association with reporting of voice problems in church choir singers. The overall knowledge regarding the factors influencing vocal health was found to be limited among the choir singers. CONCLUSION: Choir singers like other professional singers experienced a higher prevalence of vocal symptoms during or after singing and exhibited limited knowledge about factors that negatively influence vocal health. Hence, there is a need to look into these singer's vocal requirements, who usually go unnoticed.

Asunto(s)

Canto , Trastornos de la Voz , Voz , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , India , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Trastornos de la Voz/etiología , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) into Kannada for the benefit of Carnatic classical singers. METHODS: Following a standard translation procedure, the original English version was translated to develop a prefinal EASE-K version. This was further field-tested on 12 Carnatic singers to obtain the final EASE-K version. Upon validating the same on 104 Carnatic singers, intercorrelation between EASE-K subscales- Vocal Fatigue (VF) and Pathologic Risk Indicators (PRI) were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The internal consistency of the subscales was obtained based on the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Nonparametric tests were carried out to study the effect of age and gender on EASE-K subscales. Further, the raw scores of the English version were compared to the EASE-K. RESULTS: Spearman correlation coefficient indicated a statistically significant positive correlation (P < .01) between the two subscales (r = .745). Each scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha was .84). Test-retest reliability carried on 12 singers indicated an excellent reliability for the subscales. Nonparametric tests indicated no significant effect of age and gender on the subscales of EASE-K (P > .05). Comparison across the original and EASE-K revealed significant differences for both VF (P = .02) and PRI (P = .00) subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings indicate that EASE-K is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to document the subtle changes in voice in healthy Carnatic classical singers. Further, the current tool can be used to study the effect of vocal loading across different singing styles.

Asunto(s)

Canto , Trastornos de la Voz , Comparación Transcultural , Humanos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Calidad de la Voz

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Unlike Western opera singing, Carnatic singing requires powerful low pitched, loud voice. Singing in the right Shruti or pitch and appropriate breathing is given the main emphasis in this style of music. The present study was conducted to explore the prevalence of and possible risk factors for the self-reported voice problem (VP) in Carnatic singers. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing the self-reporting questionnaires to 190 Carnatic singers in and around the Mysuru and Bengaluru districts of Karnataka state, India, from December 2016 to April 2017. RESULTS: The Carnatic singers were found to have high career (35%) and point (23%) prevalence rates of VP. Clenching of teeth, frequent cold, difficulty in hearing, stress related to the profession, and regular intake of medications for different health-related problems were some of the risk factors found to have a significant association with high prevalence of self-reported VPs. Around 22% of the Carnatic singers missed at least 2-5 singing performances due to VP during their career. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of this study reveal a high prevalence rate of self-reported VP in Carnatic singers, and they also suggest that the VPs are associated with different risk factors like any other form of singers. Further studies are needed to understand the effect of VP and to prevent it in this group of professional voice users.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Salud Laboral , Ocupaciones , Autoinforme , Canto , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Calidad de la Voz , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/fisiopatología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Voz/fisiopatología , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to translate and validate the English version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) in to Malayalam language. METHODS: The English version of the VFI was translated into Malayalam language using parallel back translation. The translated version was content validated by three qualified Speech Language Pathologists. The final Malayalam version of the VFI was administered on 528 primary school teachers with and without self-reporting of voice problems. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients. Independent sample t test was used to assess the difference in means. Receiver operating characteristic curves with sensitivity and specificity were calculated to set cut-off scores for three domains of Malayalam VFI. RESULTS: The results revealed that the Malayalam version of VFI has an excellent internal consistency across all the three factors of VFI; tiredness of voice and avoidance of voice use (α = 0.922), physical discomfort symptoms (α = 0.923), and improvement of symptoms with voice rest (α = 0.925). Independent sample t test revealed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) for total scores of three domains [tiredness and avoidance of voice use (factor 1), physical discomfort symptoms (factor 2), improvement in symptoms with voice rest (factor 3)] between teachers reporting voice problems and teachers not reporting voice problems. Cut-off scores for three different domains of the Malayalam VFI were set at ≥ 16.5 (80% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity) for factor 1, ≥ 6.5 (71.1% sensitivity and 70.1% specificity) for factor 2 and ≤ 7.5 (71.1% sensitivity and 69.9% specificity) for factor 3. CONCLUSION: The Malayalam VFI was found to have good internal consistency and reliability. Hence, it can be considered as a valid and reliable tool for identifying vocal fatigue symptoms and its severity among the Malayalam speaking community who report voice disorders.

Asunto(s)

Lenguaje , Trastornos de la Voz , Humanos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Traducción , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Hindu priests (purohits/purohits/) perform religious services, rites, and prayers primarily at the temples, during which there is a continuous recitation of shlokas, ʃlokas, and mantras/mæntrəs/ in a loud voice. Hence, the voice is the primary component of priests' profession and earning for livelihood. The present study was conducted to explore the prevalence and possible risk factors, and the impact of voice problems (VPs) in Hindu temple priests. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing the self-reporting questionnaires to 140 Hindu temple priests in and around the Udupi/uɖupi/ and Mangaluru/maŋgalu:ru/ districts of Karnataka state, India, between January and April 2016. RESULTS: The Hindu temple priests were found to have high career (43%) and point (19%) prevalence rates of VP. The length of work experience as a priest (>10years), modification of voice during chanting, speaking or chanting in the presence of throat infection, and experiencing dry mouth and throat were some of the risk factors found to have a significant association with high prevalence of self-reported VPs in priests. Around 43% of the priests missed their work at least 2-3 days because of VP. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of this study reveal a high prevalence of self-reported VPs in Hindu priests and suggest that VPs are associated with different risk factors. Further studies are needed to focus on understanding the impact of VPs and to develop awareness about preventive vocal measures in this population.

Asunto(s)

Hinduismo , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Estilo de Vida , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Habla , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Yakshagana /jakʃaga:na/ is a form of folk theater of India. It is a blend of music, acting, dance, costume, dialogue, and stage techniques with an exclusive style and form. Even though Yakshagana artists (singers and actors) are professional voice users, no reports are available in the literature regarding the prevalence of voice problems (VPs) in these performers. AIM: The current study investigated (a) the prevalence of self-reported VPs, (b) the different risk factors associated with the development of VPs, (c) the self-reported vocal health, and (d) the effect of VP on Yakshagana folk artists. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. Data for the present study were obtained through convenience sampling by distributing 160 questionnaires to Yakshagana artists in and around Udupi /uɖupi/ and Mangaluru /maŋgalu:ru/ districts of Karnataka state, India. The results of the study are analyzed and discussed based on 129 eligible questionnaires. RESULTS: Career prevalence of self-reported VPs in singers and actors were found to be 91.2% and 74%, respectively, with multiple symptoms of vocal attrition. Frequent throat clearing was found to have a significant association with actors reporting VPs. Around 55% of artists missed their work for 2-3 days or more with an average of 2.12 days (minimum of 1 day to maximum of 5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results suggest that Yakshagana artists are at greater risk of developing VPs. Hence, there is a need for thorough understanding of factors influencing VPs and for educating the Yakshagana artists about voice care strategies.

Asunto(s)

Canto , Habla , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Teachers are more prone to develop voice problems (VPs) when compared with other professional voice users. The aim of present study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of VPs among primary school teachers in India. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Self-reporting questionnaire data were collected from 1082 teachers. RESULTS: Out of 1082 teachers who participated in the present study, 188 teachers reported VPs that account for a prevalence rate of 17.4%. Tired voice after long hours of talking was the most frequently reported symptom, followed by sore/dry throat, strain in voice, neck muscle tension, and difficulty in projecting voice. The adjusted odds ratio values showed number of years of teaching, high background noise levels in the classroom, experiencing psychological stress while teaching classes, improper breath management (holding breath while speaking), poor focus of the tone (clenching jaw/teeth while speaking), upper respiratory tract infection, thyroid problems, and acid reflux as significant risk factors for the development of VPs in the current cohort of teachers. CONCLUSIONS: Current results suggest that teachers develop VPs due to multiple risk factors. These factors may be either biological, psychomotor, or environment-related factors. A holistic approach (which could include educating teachers about voice care during their training, and if they develop VP during their career, then managing the VP by taking into consideration different risk factors) addressing all these factors needs to be adopted to prevent VPs in primary school teachers.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Salud Laboral , Maestros , Instituciones Académicas , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Calidad de la Voz , Adulto , Anciano , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Costo de Enfermedad , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Perfil Laboral , Estilo de Vida , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/fisiopatología , Oportunidad Relativa , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Autoinforme , Factores de Tiempo , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Voz/fisiopatología , Lugar de Trabajo , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Yakshagana, a popular traditional folk art from Karnataka, India, includes singing and dancing. Yakshagana singer or Bhagavata plays an important role in singing and conducting the performance. The present study aims to assess the singing vocal health using Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10) in these singers and to compare between those who report voice problem and those who do not. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 26 Bhagavata using demographic questionnaire and SVHI-10 in the Kannada language. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data. Independent sample t test was used to compare the responses for demographic variables between the two groups of singers with and without voice problems. The difference in scores of SVHI-10 between the two groups was analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: Of the Bhagavata, 38% reported to have experienced voice problems, which affected their singing, with higher total SVHI-10 score (31.2 ± 5.7) compared with those who did not report any problems (16.81 ± 9.56). A statistically significant difference between the groups was noted in the emotional domain and total scores. CONCLUSION: The present study provides preliminary information on the voice handicap reported by Bhagavata. The singers reporting voice problems scored higher on SVHI-10. A healthy singing voice is essential for Yakshagana singers, and voice problems can have a significant impact on their performance and livelihood. Hence, results of the present study indicate the need to understand these singers' voice problems and their impact more comprehensively, and educate them about voice care.

Asunto(s)

Salud Laboral , Ocupaciones , Canto , Trastornos de la Voz/fisiopatología , Calidad de la Voz , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Transversales , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Emociones , Estado de Salud , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , India , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Voz/prevención & control , Trastornos de la Voz/psicología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Voice problems are commonly reported by professionals in occupations involving a large amount of voice loading. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of voice problems in Mar Thoma priests and identify possible risk factors responsible for voice problems. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHOD: The study group consisted of 270 Mar Thoma priests with 1-35 years of professional experience. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. RESULTS: Mar Thoma priests were found to have higher career (47.8%) and year prevalence (25.2%) of voice problems with 17.8% of them reporting frequent voice problems during their career. Asthma, allergy and frequent throat clearing behavior were found to have significant association with priests reporting frequent voice problems. Significantly higher number of priests with frequent voice problems missed their work. CONCLUSION: The study results provide valuable preliminary information regarding the prevalence voice problems and associated risk factors in Mar Thoma priests. However, further investigations are required for in-depth understanding of the types of voice problems these priests experience and their impact on their quality of life.

Asunto(s)

Clero , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Salud Laboral , Ocupaciones , Trastornos de la Voz/epidemiología , Calidad de la Voz , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/fisiopatología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Voz/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Voz/fisiopatología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the English version of pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI) into Malayalam language. METHODS: The English version of pediatric voice handicap index was translated into Malayalam language using parallel back translation. The translated version was content validated by three qualified speech language pathologists. The content familiarity was carried out by 10 parents of children with voice problems. This was distributed to 136 parents (57 parents of children with dysphonia, 79 parents of children with no voice problems). The internal consistency and test--retest reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. Independent sample t-test was used to assess the difference in means. Kappa coefficient was used to determine the correlation between overall severity of the problem and total pVHI. Discriminant analysis was used to identify thresholds for differentiating between normal and dysphonic participants. RESULTS: The results obtained revealed that the Malayalam version of pVHI has an excellent internal consistency; total (α=0.974), functional (α=0.922), physical (α=0.953), and emotional (α=0.923). There was an excellent test-retest reliability; total (r=0.937), functional (r=0.954), physical (r=0.95), and emotional (r=0.929). The prediction probability of the dysphonics is 98.2% using the discriminant score function. CONCLUSIONS: The translated and validated pVHI tool can be effectively used in the assessment of children with voice problems. It can provide a better insight into the parents' perception of their child's voice problems.

Asunto(s)

Disfonía/fisiopatología , Disfonía/psicología , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , India , Lenguaje , Masculino , Padres , Percepción , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Traducciones