Adaptation and Validation of the Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure Into Polish

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to translate and adapt the original V-RQOL (Voice-Related Quality of Life) instrument into Polish and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the V-RQOL Measure such as internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity in different groups of dysphonic patients. A total of 214 patients with voice disorders were assessed using the V-RQOL Measure, the Voice Handicap Index, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life, short version. The Polish version of the V-RQOL Measure showed strong internal consistency with the Cronbach alpha coefficient: 0.92 for the total score, 0.90 for the social-emotional domain, and 0.86 for the physical functioning domain, and a good test-retest reliability (r-Spearman correlation coefficient: r = 0.8852 for the total score of the V-RQOL Measure). Construct validity was demonstrated with a strong correlation to the Voice Handicap Index (r = -0.843, P = 0.000*) and a weak positive, statistically significant correlation between the V-RQOL-physical functioning domain, V-RQOL-social-emotional domain, and the Q1, Q2, and Domain 1-Domain 4 of the World Health Organization Quality of Life, short version (0.2 < r < 0.4). The Polish version of the V-RQOL Measure is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the patient's perception of his or her own voice disorders and the impact it can have on the patient's life. The V-RQOL Measure is easy to perform in clinical practice.