Estado vocal de los integrantes del coro “Santa Catalina” de la ciudad de Cuenca. 2024-2025

Abstract

Background: overall prevalence of self-perceived dysphonia in singers is approximately 50%, resulting from the time they spend using their voice and inappropriate vocal habits they are exposed to. Objective: to determinate the vocal cord status of members of Santa Catalina choir of the city of Cuenca in 2024-2025 Methods: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted to 40 members of Santa Catalina choir in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. For data collection, the participants signed an informed consent and filled out their voice medical history; then, their vocal cord status was analyzed using VHI. Analysis and tabulation of data was carried out using IBM SPSS 30. Results: out of 40 participants, 60% are females and 40% are males. The largest group is that of 61-to-70-year-old individuals (57.5%). Most of the choir singers use their voice between 3 and 5 hours per week (67.5%). The members of the choir have from 5 to 9 years and 11 months of choral experience (40%). In regard to vocal hygiene habits, consumption of coffee (77.5%) and tea (67.5%) is predominant. Ninety-five percent of the participants have a mild vocal condition and 5% have a moderate one. Conclusions: the majority of the members of Santa Catalina choir perceive that their vocal condition has a mild alteration