Adverse efeftts of tuberculosis on voice in BANGLADESH

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Pulmonary, tuberculosis is the most common type of TB. Among the other groups, laryngeal TB has the prevalence of 1% in recent decades. Voice disorder or changes in voice quality is common in pulmonary tuberculosis along with laryngeal TB. This study was a mixed type embedded designed study. The aim of this investigation was to identify the severity of voice disorder among TB population and perception of Pulmonologists about the role of Speech and Language Therapy. Total participants for the quantitative study were 186. VHI-30 was used as a data collection tool. Total number of the qualitative size was 5. A self-constructed questionnaire was used for data collection. Voice disorder among tuberculosis patients was mild or no problem (75%), moderate (21%), severe (3.2%). Among them pulmonary TB had 86% of the total severity score, where mild or no problem was observed in 65% participants, moderate 17.7% and severe cases were 2.7%. Other than that, cigarette smoking, odynophagia and previous history of voice problem had found to be co-related by the statistics. Taking everything into consideration, researcher found many perceptions. A significant finding of this study is the notable deficiency in understanding among pulmonologists regarding the role of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in rehabilitating patients’ with tuberculosis with voice disorder. This gap in knowledge impedes interdisciplinary teamwork and optimal patient treatment. Enhancing awareness and education about SLTs' roles among medical practitioners, especially pulmonologists, is essential for improving patients quality of life. Key words: Tuberculosis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Voice disorder, Pulmonologists, Perception, Speech and Language Therapy, Rehabilitation.