Vocal Health of Pastors in the Protestant Church in Germany

Pastors are heavy occupational voice users both in the singing and speaking voice. This study aims to determine the prevalence of voice problems among pastors working in the Protestant Church in Germany, and to identify possible factors influencing their occurrence.

A link to an electronic questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was sent to the respective member churches of the Protestant Church in Germany in the period between January and April 2020. The member churches, in turn, were asked to forward the link to their employed pastors.

A total of 1022 pastors completed the questionnaire: 52.3% male, 47.7% female. The prevalence of voice disorder varied depending on which definition was used: 5.1% (diagnosed voice disorder), 7.5% (sick leave due to voice problems), 21.5% who reported two or more frequently occurring vocal symptoms. Significantly more female than male pastors had already been on sick leave due to vocal problems (P < 0.0001), had a medically diagnosed voice disorder (P = 0.0008), and had at least two voice-related symptoms (P = 0.0001). 87.5% of all participants got voice and speech training at one point during their career; mostly during the last two years of ministerial training (63.8%). However, 36.3% also took additional private lessons in voice and speech training (44.3% female vs. 29.0% male, P < 0.001). Results from a multivariable analysis indicated that individuals with high vocal strain, limited knowledge of voice care, and those who were female reported voice problems more frequently.

Voice and speech training and vocal hygiene advice represent a primary tool for preventing occupational dysphonia in the pastoral profession. This training should be tailored to the professional needs of pastors and not only be included at the beginning of a career as a pastor, but also refreshed repeatedly throughout one's professional life.