Perceived Voice Changes among Speech Pathologists during COVID-19 Pandemic

Article Information

Title: Perceived Voice Changes among Speech Pathologists during COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors: Rabia Zubair, Shumaila Zubair

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Research (PJMR)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30
Y	1900-01-01	2005-06-30

Publisher: Health Research Institute (HRI), NIH

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 61

Issue: 3

Language: English

Keywords: PandemicVoiceSpeech pathologistsvocal fatigue

Abstract

Background: The inadequate and stressful environment of COVID-19 pandemic affected and triggered the inappropriate vocal behavior with stressful tension of laryngeal muscles and scapular griddle region among many practicing speech pathologists.
Objective: To determine voice changes among speech pathologists during COVID-19 pandemic.
Study type, settings &amp; duration: A cross sectional study was conducted among certified speech pathologist with specific specialties and experiences across country of Pakistan and abroad through an online valid and reliable self-assessment tool from May to October 2020. &nbsp;
Methodology: Almost 150 Speech pathologists were approached through online medium, out of which only 70 Speech Pathologists responded on the research questionnaire. Formal ethical approval was taken from Riphah International University research ethical committee. After taking consent, the questionnaire link was shared with practicing speech pathologists. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: A total of 70 certified speech pathologists participated in the study, among them 7 (10%) were male and 63 (90%) were female. The preferred method of service delivery observed among speech pathologists was 34 (49.5%) hybrid service having both onsite and tele service. It was observed that 6 (8.6%) and 12 (17.1%) speech pathologists were facing with severe and moderate symptoms of vocal fatigue index, and 4 (5.7%),10 (14.3%) speech pathologists were with symptoms of severe and moderate voice use problems (pain in neck, throat etc.) respectively. It was also observed that with rest 58 (82.8%) speech pathologists were feeling extremely and moderately relieved from pain ...........
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Research Objective

To determine voice changes among speech pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among certified speech pathologists in Pakistan and abroad using an online self-assessment tool from May to October 2020. Data was collected from 70 participants via an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Ethical approval was obtained from Riphah International University research ethical committee.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Approach 150 Speech Pathologists Online"] --> B["70 Responded"];
    B --> C["Collect Data via Online Questionnaire"];
    C --> D["Obtain Ethical Approval"];
    D --> E["Share Consent Form and Questionnaire Link"];
    E --> F["Analyze Data using SPSS v16"];
    F --> G["Report Findings"];

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic created a stressful environment that affected speech pathologists, leading to vocal fatigue and voice use problems. The shift to online and hybrid service delivery models was common. While the study had limitations such as a low sample size, it provided baseline information on voice-related issues faced by speech pathologists during stressful conditions.

Key Findings

- 90% of the 70 participants were female.
- 49.5% of speech pathologists used a hybrid method of service delivery (onsite and tele-service).
- 8.6% experienced severe vocal fatigue symptoms, and 17.1% experienced moderate vocal fatigue symptoms.
- 5.7% experienced severe voice use problems (pain in neck, throat, etc.), and 14.3% experienced moderate voice use problems.
- 82.8% of speech pathologists reported feeling extremely or moderately relieved from pain with rest.

Conclusion

The stressful and unusual environment of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted speech pathologists, leading to vocal fatigue symptoms and voice use problems like pain in the laryngeal area. A higher proportion of speech pathologists reported these symptoms and related issues.

Fact Check

- The study was conducted from May to October 2020. (Confirmed in Methodology)
- 70 speech pathologists participated in the study. (Confirmed in Methodology and Results)
- 49.5% of participants used a hybrid method of service delivery. (Confirmed in Results)

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