Vocal Hygiene Habits and Vocal Handicap Index among Street Performing Students (Nukkad Natak)

Introduction & Objective: Street theatre actors face vocal challenges due to environmental factors and poor hygiene practices. To address these issues, vocal professionals suggest various hygiene practices, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of vocal hygiene habits among street performers, comparing pre-performance and non-performance conditions and evaluating voice strain quality among different experience levels.

Method: A cross-sectional survey-based study included 125 street performers aged 18-26 from various universities in India. Participants were categorized as Beginners (6 months experience), Intermediate (12 months), or Advanced (more than 12 months). Each participant underwent a No Performance condition, indicating a vacant period without upcoming performances, and a Performance condition, requiring regular practice for upcoming performances. A questionnaire with five sections collected demographic, medical history, and performance-related data. Vocal hygiene behaviours were assessed using a Likert Scale, and the Vocal Handicap Index (VHI-10) was administered. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and post hoc tests, were conducted.

Results & Discussions: An Independent sample t-test observed that only the amount and duration of speaking conditions differed significantly across pre-performance and non-performance conditions (t (1, 37) = 2.01, p=0.04). One-way anova analysis revealed no significant difference across three categories (f (2, 35) = 0.18, p=0.83). Post hoc analysis showed no significant difference in VHI-10 score between beginner and intermediate (p=0.84), between beginner and advanced (p=0.62), and between intermediate and advanced (p=0.57). Students’ vocal hygiene index scores were higher during performance than during non-performance periods, indicating a higher consideration of vocal hygiene factors during performance preparation. However, the overall mean VHI-10 score was > 11 (M= 12.02, SD= 8.11) indicating a mild-moderate degree of vocal handicap Index in Street performers.

Conclusions: This study highlights a noteworthy shift in vocal hygiene behaviour among street performers, especially in speaking frequency and duration during pre-performance and non-performance periods. While experience levels remained consistent, the presence of vocal problems and elevated VHI-10 scores indicate a prevalent issue. Merely following conventional vocal hygiene guidelines may not be adequate. Tailored interventions and increased awareness are essential to safeguard the vocal health and career longevity of street performers.