Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Speech Handicap Index

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to study the cultural adaptation and validation of the Speech Handicap Index (SHI) questionnaire to the Lithuanian language.

Methods: Cultural adaptation and validation of the translated Lithuanian version of the SHI (SHI-LT) was performed as described by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. The SHI-LT was completed by 46 patients after total laryngectomy and by 60 healthy subjects of the control group. Validity and reliability of the SHI-LT were evaluated.

Results: The SHI-LT showed a statistically significant high internal consistency and test-retest reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.96-0.98). Good validity of SHI-LT was reflected by statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference between the mean scores of the patients and control groups (74.7 ± 26.9 and 5.5 ± 6.5, respectively). No age or gender dependence of SHI-LT was found (P > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic test indicated that SHI-LT scores exceeding 17.0 points (cutoff value) distinguish patients from healthy controls, with a sensitivity of 97.8% and specificity of 95.0%.

Conclusion: SHI-LT is considered to be a valid and reliable speech assessment tool for Lithuanian-speaking patients after laryngectomy.

Keywords: Laryngeal cancer; Questionnaire; Speech Handicap Index; Speech disorders; Total laryngectomy.