Translation, Cross-Cultural Validation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) in Slovak Language

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of the study is to verify the psychometric properties of Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) in Slovak language.

Methods: Original VHI-30 has been translated into the Slovak language. Fifty-two dysphonic individuals and 104 individuals of the control group without voice disorders were included in the study. Item to total correlation, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient α and split-half coefficient), test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient), and validity of VHI 30 (Kruskal-Wallis test) were analyzed.

Results: Item analysis proved that questionnaire items have a good to excellent correlation to the total score (0.42-0.87, P < 0.05). Good internal consistency was proved by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.88, P < 0.05) and split-half correlation for the Total score in VHI (0.997, P < 0.05). Test-retest reliability was found to be strong (0.86, P < 0.05). Validity results of Slovak VHI suggests that total mean scores of control group were significantly lower than total mean scores of dysphonic groups (structural, neurogenic, inflammatory, functional, and nonspecified). Total mean scores indicated no statistically significant difference between dysphonic groups (P < 0.05). The cut-off value of 21 points was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Conclusion: The results of the study proved that the Slovak VHI-30 is a reliable and valid tool. It is useful for assessing disadvantage related to voice disorders from the patient's perspective.

Keywords: Disadvantage; Questionnaire; Slovak version; Voice disorder; Voice handicap index.