ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the SARS-CoV2-pandemic, people working in healthcare such as caregives for the elderly face additional burden, e.g. by the use of face masks. METHODS: In a prospective study, the emotional and physical wellbeing as well as the vocal tract discomfort of caregivers of two municipal homes for the elderly were assessed by questionnaires, the Mini-SCL and the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS), and one on personal data (sex, age, lung disease, previous SARS-CoV2-infection) and on voice symptoms. RESULTS: 67% of the questionnaires were answered by 56 women and 11 men aged 45.2 ± 11.5. In the Mini-SCL, increased scores were found in depression in 23.8%, anxiety in 49.3%, somatization in 55.2% and in the global score in 44.7%. 52% showed increased scores in the VTDS. Significant correlations were found in between the subscales of the Mini-SCL and the VTDS as well as to dysphonia symptoms. DISCUSSION: Psychological problems, somatization and vocal tract discomfort is more frequently reported by caregivers for the elderly than in the normal population. The VTDS, voice symptoms and the Mini-SCL scales are significantly related. Training on vocal hygiene should be included in workplace health promotion during the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Dysphonia , Voice Disorders , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , Caregivers , Dysphonia/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Male , Pandemics , Prospective Studies , RNA, Viral , SARS-CoV-2 , Voice Disorders/diagnosis , Voice Disorders/epidemiology , Voice Disorders/etiology , Voice QualityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, professional caregivers caring for the elderly may experience more vocal tract problems in addition to regular high vocal demands while wearing face masks/coverings. METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS: Vocal tract discomfort (VTD) was assessed in 64 caregivers in one home for the elderly (64% participation rate) in June 2020 using the German version of the VTD scale. RESULTS: More than one-half of the participating caregivers experienced VTD, described mostly as dryness, irritability, and tightness. Approximately, 80% reported that sensations were not perceived before enhanced infection prevention standards were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Among caregivers caring for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, special care should be focused on the voice and vocal tract well-being.