Stress and Anxiety Profile of Clergymen with Voice Disorders in Türkiye

This study aimed to evaluate stress and anxiety levels in Islamic clergymen with and without voice disorders. The study design was comparative and descriptive, and included 100 Islamic clergymen, of whom 47 (mean age: 42.00 ± 7.76 years) had a diagnosed voice disorder and 53 (mean age: 38.72 ± 10.18 years) did not. All participants read and digitally approved an informed consent form outlining the study purpose and their rights. Demographic and occupational data, including age, gender, years of professional experience, and medical history, were collected. The Voice Handicap Index for Islamic Clergymen (CVHI) and the Integrated Anxiety-Stress Scale (IASS) were administered via a web-based platform. Participants were classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of a voice disorder. Clergymen with voice disorders reported significantly higher stress levels on the IASS compared to those without voice disorders. Additionally, scores on the physical-functional and emotional subscales, as well as the total CVHI score, were significantly higher in the voice disorder group. A strong positive correlation was observed between IASS and CVHI scores. These findings indicate that Islamic clergymen with voice disorders experience greater difficulties in fulfilling their professional duties, with voice problems exerting a negative physical-functional and emotional impact. The results further suggest that these individuals are more likely to experience elevated stress and anxiety, possibly due to the occupational and personal consequences of impaired vocal performance in this population.