Social isolation and loneliness in laryngectomees

 

Laryngectomees, face many psychological, social and personal challenges . Laryngectomees also experience social isolation and loneliness (SIL) because of their difficulties in communication and their post-surgical deformities.  A study by Itzhak Brook MD from Georgetown University, published in European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck diseases; shed light on this issue by evaluating the frequency of SIL in laryngectomees.

Members of Facebook laryngectomee support groups were asked if they experience social SIL. Statistical analysis used: 'N-1' Chi squared test.  A total of 379 individuals responded (208 males, 171 females). A total of 237 (62.6%) reported SIL (117 males, 120 females). SIL was present in 117 males ( 56.2% of males)  and 120 of females ( 70.2 % of  females). Ninety four individuals ( 61 males and 33 females) reported their method of speaking. SIL was reported in voice prosthesis users in 17 (47%) males, and 12 (66%) females). It was reported in electrolaryx users in 6 (24%) males, and 7 (43%) females. The difference between males and females was not significant in either group. However, the presence of SIL was significantly higher in all voice prosthesis users compared to all electrolarynx users.) The higher frequency of SIL in females compared to males may be due to their awareness of their anatomical changes following laryngectomy.

SIL is common in cancer survivors, contributing to poor outcomes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stress, decreased quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and higher mortality. Loneliness was present in a quarter of HNC patients.(5)  Patients who were younger, lived in deprived circumstances, had advanced disease and had been treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy reported greater levels of loneliness. Loneliness was associated with a worse overall quality of life, and worse physical and social-emotional function. 

Despite the limitations of our analysis, due to the use of a Facebook group that included various groups of laryngectomees, and the lack of a validated standard test to analyze loneliness, our data highlight the high frequency of SIL in laryngectomees. It is hopeful that these findings would inspire further research and encourage clinicians to recognize and treat SIL in laryngectomees. Early recognition and interventions to relieve SIL are urgently needed.

link to the manuscript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vqqy1BBMYQa35a_J5bD7IT4Sx3r5JZ06/view?usp=sharing