Public Perceptions of Traditional Singing to Promote Wellbeing and Respiratory Health Survey Findings From Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Singing is the production of musical tones with the voice. It involves the respiratory system, including respiratory muscles. This universal human behavior practiced for thousands of years in various cultural contexts including religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and artistic performances. Previous research suggests singing can improve various aspects of health in both healthy individuals and those with respiratory conditions. This study aims to explore perceptions regarding the use of singing to promote general and respiratory health in Makkah.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional survey in Makkah to explore perceptions regarding the impact of traditional singing on general and respiratory health. Data was collected using a questionnaire including open and closed questions. Quantitative data was summarized as frequency and percentages, while qualitative data from open questions was summarized into themes. Ethical approval was obtained from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah ID (HAPO-02-K-012-2023-12-1911).

Results: The participants were 273 people from Makkah region, of which 153 (56%) were female, the majority aged 21 to 41 y (63%), 88 (32%) reported chronic respiratory diseases. Among all participants,158 (58%) engaged in daily singing, 161 (59%) believed that singing has a positive impact on general health and 117 (42%) were agreed that singing can improve lung health. Overall, 146 (54%) of the participants agreed that singing can improve quality of life. Perceived barriers to singing participation included absence of support from family and relative (113; 41%), singing is a tradition and has no effect on health at all (80; 29.3%), and singing has no health benefits (91; 33.3%).

Conclusions: People in Makkah believed that singing could have an impact on general and lung health. Further research assessing the impact of singing on clinically relevant parameters would be useful.