Association between the feeling of vocal comfort and social security when wearing a protective mask: a study with transgender people

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the influence of facial mask usage on vocal production and social interaction in transgender individuals. Methods A cross-sectional study employing a convenience sample recruited via the snowball method was conducted. Data were collected through an online questionnaire comprising questions about gender identification, comfort with mask usage, and perceived social security, in addition to the validated instruments Vocal Disadvantage Index-10 (IDV-10) and Vocal Fatigue Index (IFV). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression (with a significance level of 5%) were used to identify predictors of social security perception. Results A total of 85 transgender individuals participated, with a mean age of 30.4 years, including 44.7% trans men and 55.3% trans women. Although only 43.5% of participants reported feeling comfortable with mask use, 75.3% experienced an increased sense of social security. Significant correlations were found between the IDV-10 and IFV scores, and logistic regression analysis revealed that comfort with mask usage significantly predicted the perception of social security (Z = -3.11; p = 0.002). Conclusion Facial mask usage plays a dual role in the transgender experience, inducing vocal discomfort while enhancing feelings of social security.