A comparative and correlational study of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) and the Voice Fatigue Handicap Questionnaire (VFHQ) in individuals with and without voice disorders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the difference and correlation between the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) and the Voice Fatigue Handicap Questionnaire (VFHQ) among individuals with and without voice disorders. Observational study. This study was performed from June to December 2021. A total of 308 people were enrolled, including 72 men and 236 women. Questionnaire scores were obtained for both the VFI and the VFHQ. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlational analysis were used to analyze the data. Of the 308 participants, 186 had a voice disorder and 122 did not. The most common voice disorders were chronic laryngitis and vocal fold polyps. The VFI and VFHQ scores differed between groups with and without voice disorders and between men and women. The VFHQ total score correlated significantly with all subscale scores of the VFHQ and with the VFI factor scores. People with voice disorders have significantly worse voice-related quality of life and more severe vocal fatigue symptoms than those without. The scores on the VFI and VFHQ correlate significantly.