The potential use of traditional singing and dancing for respiratory health promotion in Saudi Arabia: an observational study

Singing is the production of musical tones with the voice. Like breathing, it requires breath control and uses many of the same anatomical structures. This universal human behaviour has been practiced for thousands of years in various cultural contexts, including religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and artistic performances. Previous research suggests that singing and dancing can improve multiple aspects of health in both healthy individuals and those with respiratory conditions. This study aimed to explore perceptions regarding the use of traditional Saudi singing and dancing as a method to promote general and respiratory health in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. This observational, cross-sectional survey investigated perceptions regarding the impact of traditional Saudi singing and dancing on general and respiratory health. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included open-ended and closed-ended questions. Quantitative data were summarised as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data from open-ended questions were used to identify a list of key barriers. Ethical approval was obtained from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah ID (HAPO-02-K-012-2023-12-1911). A total of 273 people participated, of whom 153 (56.0%) were female, the majority were aged 21 to 41 years (63.0%), and 88 (32.2%) reported chronic respiratory diseases. Among the participants, 203 (74.4%) engaged in Saudi traditional singing and dancing, 120 (59.1%) believed that traditional singing and dancing had a positive impact on general health, and 93 (45.8%) agreed that traditional singing and dancing are perceived as potentially improving lung health. Participants who actively engaged in traditional singing and dancing were significantly more likely to perceive associated health benefits compared to those who did not, with differences reaching statistical significance ( p < 0.001). Age was significantly associated with engagement, χ² = 6.20, p = 0.045, Cramer’s V = 0.151, with engagement highest among participants aged 20 years and under (85.3%), followed by those aged over 41 years (75.8%) and those aged 21–41 years (69.8%). Female participants were significantly more likely than males to report a lack of community support as a barrier to practicing traditional singing and dancing ( p = 0.004). No statistically significant gender differences were observed for other perceived barriers. People in Makkah believed that traditional Saudi singing and dancing are perceived as potentially improving lung health. Further research assessing the influence of singing and dancing on clinically relevant parameters would be useful. 10.17605/OSF.IO/867ME