Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic first emerged in December 2019 and rapidly spread globally, including Thailand. While respiratory symptoms remain the primary manifestation of the disease, upper respiratory tract symptoms, including dysphonia, have been reported in various studies.
Objectives
To determine the prevalence of dysphonia in non-hospitalized Thai COVID-19 patients and identify associated factors using the Thai-Voice Handicap Index-10.
Methods
This study investigates the prevalence of dysphonia and associated factors in non-hospitalized Thai COVID-19 patients. Conducted from September 2022 to February 2023, it enrolled healthcare workers who tested positive for COVID-19 but were not hospitalized.
Results
Among 82 patients, 53 (64.6%) reported dysphonia, which was significantly associated with cough (P = 0.013) and nasal discharge (P = 0.047). Substantial improvement was observed at the 3-month follow-up (73.6%). Vaccination may serve as a protective factor (crude odds ratio < 1).
Conclusion
The prevalence of dysphonia among non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Thailand is 63.6%, linked to cough and nasal congestion, with symptoms likely to subside within 3 months.