Prevalence and risk factors for voice problems in imams

Abstract

Introduction: Voice problems are widespread in professions where the voice is actively used. Imams are a group where the voice is used professionally, The aim was to investigate the prevalence of voice problems in imams and to determine the potential risk factors. Methods: A questionnaire was developed in our clinic to obtain information about the voice load, prevalence of voice problems, habits and diseases affecting voice quality in 1500 imams randomly selected from mosques in the Kahramanmaraş region of Turkey. The completed forms of 514 imams (34% response rate) were included in the study. Results: It was determined that 36.6% of the imams included in the study had experienced voice problems in their occupation, and the most common reasons were seen to be reflux and upper respiratory tract infections. Lack of knowledge of correct breathing exercises and frequent clearing of the throat were significant risk factors. The imams who used a microphone did not smoke and had regular eating and drinking habits were determined to experience voice problems less frequently. Conclusion: As imams do not receive training on correct use of the voice, vocal hygiene and breathing during their religious education, voice disorders are frequently seen. To reduce the complaints of voice problems, training on correct use of the voice and points to which attention must be paid should be given in addition to religious training.

Giriş: Ses problemi aktif olarak sesin kullanıldığı mesleklerde yaygındır. İmamlar profosyonel ses kullanıcılar grubunda olup ses bozuklukları gelişiminde risk altındadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı imamlarda ses sorunlarının yaygınlığını araştırmak ve muhtemel risk faktörlerini belirlemektir. Yöntem: Kahramanmaraş bölgesinde rastgele seçilen 1500 cami imamında ses yükü, ses bozukluklarının yaygınlığı, alışkanlıkları ve ses kalitesini etkileyen hastalıklar hakkında bilgi edinebilmek için kliniğimizce oluşturulan anket düzenlendi. Anketleri teslim eden 514 imamın bilgileri değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Çalışmamızda imamların % 36,6’sında görevleri sırasında ses sorunları yaşadığı görüldü. Reflü ve solunum yolu enfeksiyonları ses problemlerinin en yaygın sebebi idi. Doğru nefes egzersizini bilmeme, sık sık boğaz temizleme de önemli risk faktörleri arasında idi. Mikrofon kullanan, sigara içmeyen ve yeme içme alışkanlıkları düzgün olan imamlarda ses sorunlarının daha nadir olarak görüldüğü tespit edildi. Sonuç: İmamlarda dini eğitim sırasında doğru ses kullanımı, vokal hijyen ve nefes eğitimi almama nedeni ile ses bozukluğu şikayeti sık olarak görülmektedir. Ses şikayetlerinin azalması için dini eğitimin yanında sesin doğru kullanımı ve dikkat edilmesi gereken hususların eğitimi de verilmelidir.

 

Keywords

• Imam,voice disorder,vocal hygiene,gastric reflux,questionnaire

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