Estado vocal en la población LGBT + de la Fundación Elizabeth Blackwell- Cuenca 2024-2025

Abstract

Background: Vocal self-perception of the LGBT+ community is a topic that has been little addressed in health services, especially in the area of speech therapy, due to lack of knowledge of their particular needs and discrimination they currently experience in our society. Objective: To determine the vocal status of the LGBT+ population of the Elizabeth Blackwell Foundation in Cuenca in 2024-2025. Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025, featuring 120 participants from the Elizabeth Blackwell Foundation. Information was collected using a data collection form, including age, sex, gander identity, sexual orientation, hormonal treatment, vocal rehabilitation, occupation, and vocal habits, and the Voice Handicap Index-30 speech assessment battery. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 30.0 and data was using tables according to the study variables. Results: Out of 120 participants, 78,85 perceived themselves as having a mild vocal degree, 16.7% as having a moderate degree, 83% as having a severe degree, and 42% as having a serious degree; however, 4,2% of transgender people face the highest vocal risk since they reported having a severe handicap.