A Study of Sociodemographic and Psychological Aspects of Functional Dysphonia

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the sociodemographic and psychological aspects of functional dysphonia came up with divergent findings. Furthermore, there was a lack of similar reports among Arabic-speaking speakers. The present investigation aimed to uncover the sociodemographic and psychological aspects of individuals with FD. METHODS: The scheme of this investigation followed a descriptive and comparative design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the relevant sociodemographic and psychological backgrounds. The study population comprised 61 participants (52 females and 9 males) with FD, with an equally sized and matched control group. RESULTS: Sociodemographic findings showed that 62% were unmarried, 62% had average family income, 38% were students, 64% held bachelor's degrees, 62% lived in cities, 60% lived in families with 6 to 10 members, and 44% had FD symptoms at a younger age. A group of interpersonal conflicts, particularly a lack of acceptance by others, social isolation, and inability to express negative emotions openly, alongside strict religious beliefs, were direct causes for elevated psychological stress that exacerbated the onset of FD. In contrast, sexual abuse, health problems, and fatigue were of minimal attribution. Results also showed reduced stress-coping strategies and higher escape tendencies of the FD group compared with the HC when facing stressful life events. CONCLUSIONS: Poor stress-coping strategies and escape tendencies characterize individuals living in a conservative culture concomitant with strict religious regulations when facing life stressors. They are at high risk of developing FD.