Abstrait

Hoarseness among Preachers in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Matilda U.J.U. Ibekwe

Background: There is an increase in the number of churches and therefore preachers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Most lack formal training while majority do not use microphone during preaching. There is paucity of local work on these preachers and their voice, hence this study.

Aim: The study is to determine the prevalence of hoarseness and knowledge of voice care/hygiene among preachers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Patients and Methods: An observational study carried out among preachers in three randomly selected churches within Port Harcourt metropolis from October 2017 to March 2018 with the aid of self-administered questionnaire Preachers who gave their consent were all included in the study. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in statistical tables.

Results: There were 64 respondents; males n=42 (65.6%), females n=22 (34.4%). Age ranged from 18 to 68 years. The age 40-50 comprised 31.3% and the most seen. Hoarseness was noted in n=42 (65.6%). Among the respondents only 2 (3.1%) uses microphone always. Correlating age of the preachers and hoarseness showed a statistical significance. The risk factors studied, even though gave more yes to hoarseness, was not statistical significant in correlation. Lack of knowledge of voice abuse possibly causing hoarseness in preachers was significant statistically.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the risks associated with wrong voice use or voice abuse among preachers is poor. A significant number lack knowledge of voice care.