Correlation Between Quality of Voice and Conventional Cigarette Smoking: Young Adult Male Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/zwc3kq86Keywords:
Quality of voice; Smoking; Smokers; Vocal tract discomfort; Voice disordersAbstract
Background: Voice disorders can arise from various factors affecting the anatomical and functional integrity of the vocal tract, with smoking recognized as a significant risk factor contributing to vocal fold irritation and alterations in voice quality. Despite evidence linking tobacco use to voice disturbances, gaps remain regarding the specific correlation between smoking patterns and vocal symptoms in young adult males. Objective: To determine the correlation between quality of voice and conventional cigarette smoking among young adult males. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at PSRD College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 343 male participants aged 20–40 years. Data collection utilized a demographic questionnaire and the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTD), assessing both frequency and severity of symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, employing ANOVA to compare VTD scores across groups defined by daily cigarette consumption and duration of smoking, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were observed in total VTD scores or individual symptoms based on smoking duration (p > 0.05). However, significant associations were identified between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and both frequency (p = 0.042) and severity (p = 0.032) of vocal symptoms, with highest scores among those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes daily. Conclusion: A significant relationship exists between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and vocal tract discomfort in young adult males, emphasizing the impact of even lower levels of daily smoking on vocal health.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Shamsa Kanwal, Sadia Ijaz, Sadia Akbar, Ghazal Awais Butt, Ezwah Khalid, Shimza Saeed (Author)
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