Vocal Health and Related Practices Among Namasankeerthanam Singers: A Qualitative Study

The study aimed to profile the vocal well-being and associated practices among Namasankeerthanam singers.

A cross-sectional qualitative research design was used to report the vocal health status of the singers in Tamil Nadu, India. Ten participants (two females and eight males) from diverse age groups with a minimum of 15 years of singing experience, selected through purposive sampling, were interviewed to gather insights on their experiences and perspectives regarding vocal health care and maintenance. Thematic analysis, guided by the framework proposed by Braun and Clarke (2013), was applied to analyze the interview data.

Four themes (awareness/ perceptions on vocal health and management, management practices towards vocal health, factors affecting vocal health, and professional support) were identified during thematic analysis. The themes shed light on various factors affecting vocal health, including lifestyle choices, emotional state, and environmental factors. Namasankeerthanam singers carefully balanced their beliefs with professional advice in order to maintain their vocal health. Their inherent collaborative spirit and commitment to holistic well-being both demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the sacred tradition and preserving their vocal health. The singers appeared to highlight the importance of personalized approaches and also had multiple perspectives on vocal health care.

The findings of this qualitative study offered a range of information on Namasankeerthanam singers' keen awareness and perceptions of vocal health practices. The findings provided interesting and useful insights on various aspects of vocal health, including self-care practices, perceptions of vocal care routine, understanding of factors affecting vocal health, identification of voice-related issues, and perspectives on seeking vocal health care. In order to promote vocal health in this culturally and religiously sophisticated yet sensitive group of singers, it is crucial to provide awareness sessions to address common vocal health challenges.