Determining Knowledge Level, Attitude, Behaviors Regarding Vocal Hygiene and Use of medical drugs and herbal medicinal products for vocal health in second level professional voice users

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the knowledge level, attitude, and behaviors regarding vocal hygiene and use of medical drugs and herbal medicinal products for vocal health in second level professional voice users.

Methods: The study examined second level professional voice users comprised of amateur singers, religious officials, voice instructors and vocal coaches consisting of academicians working in conservatories and education faculties, music teachers, conservatory students majoring in opera or choir, students majoring in music education, and amateur actors who were reached via online platforms and were administered a 32-item questionnaire.

Results: A total of 406 participants consisting of conservatory students (26.8%), religious officials (23.2%), academicians (9.1%), amateur or self-taught musicians (14.8%), conservatory graduates (8.6%), and music teachers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education were recruited for the study. It was determined that 78.8% of the participants knew the definition of vocal hygiene, and 60.6% made an effort to maintain vocal hygiene. 57.9% of the participants declared that they had at least one disease affecting their vocal health. According to our research data, 8.9% of the participants were using one or more prescription drugs or over-the-counter products daily to protect their vocal health. Lozenges, vitamins, and allergy medications constituted a large portion of these medicinal products. In total, 62.3% of participants used herbal products for vocal health in their daily life. Participants mostly consumed products containing linden, sage, ginger, chamomile, and turmeric. It was determined that more than 20 different herbal products containing plants in different mixtures and contents were used. Furthermore, 40% of the participants using herbal medicinal products consulted a health care professional. It was found that these products were mostly obtained from herbalists (79.5%), and the source of information regarding these products was quite diverse. The rate of experiencing side effects due to the use of herbal products was 2%.

Conclusions: There is a lack of knowledge regarding vocal hygiene and its application on real-life behavior among second-level sound professionals. In particular, the awareness of vocal hygiene should be increased among religious officials. It was observed that the rate of use of herbal products to protect vocal health or to treat hoarseness was quite high. Further studies are needed to prove the benefits of these herbal and medicinal products on vocal health.