Índice de fadiga vocal em pregadores evangélicos da Igreja Assembleia de Deus Esperança

Abstract

The voice is the primary vector for interaction for evangelical preachers, who are classified as voice professionals due to the high demand and significant vocal intensity required in their ministerial practice. However, the lack of specific training and voice use in acoustically unfavorable environments expose these individuals to the risk of vocal fatigue, an important predictor for dysphonias. The objective of this study was to verify the vocal fatigue index in evangelical preachers from the Assembleia de Deus Esperança Church. A quantitative, analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted, approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUC Goiás, with a sample of 20 preachers (80% men; mean age of 48.8 years), mostly with more than 10 years of ministerial experience (90%). Data collection was performed remotely via Google Forms, applying a sociodemographic/vocal habits characterization questionnaire and the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) protocol. The results indicated low adherence to preventive behaviors, since 90% of the participants did not perform vocal warmup and 90% did not receive speech therapy guidance. Additionally, 75% reported vocal discomfort post-preaching and 80% reported the need to cough or clear their throat sometimes. In the VFI analysis, the mean scores obtained were 15.00 points for vocal fatigue and restriction (cut-off = 8.00), 5.65 for physical discomfort (cut-off = 1.50), and 8.8 for recovery with rest without conversion, positioning it above the cut-off point (8.50). The weighted total VFI score was 23.85 points with conversion, exceeding the normality limit of 11.50. It is concluded that evangelical preachers are characterized as professionals exposed to severe occupational risks of vocal fatigue, a profile evidenced by the high total score and marked signs of tiredness post-activity. However, the preserved recovery capacity acts as a protective factor, indicating that the development of chronic dysphonias can be effectively prevented through speech-language pathology programs focused on conditioning, vocal warm-up/cool-down techniques, and rest management.