[Vocal tract discomfort and wellbeing of caregivers for the elderly during the pandemic]. / Vokaltraktbeschwerden und Gesundheitserleben von Pflegenden in Senioreneinrichtungen in der Pandemie.

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.