Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Vocal Fatigue Index

Seher Şi̇ri̇n,Cem Bi̇lgen,Mehmet Fatih Öğüt

doi:10.3906/sag-1908-105

Abstract

Background/aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI).Materials and methods The study was conducted with 535 participants including 285 patients with voice disorders and 250 healthy controls. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated for the reliability analysis. The mean VFI factor scores of both groups were compared. The strength and direction of the relation between VFI and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) measure was evaluated for the validity analysis.Results The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of VFI factor scores was found to be 0.920 for tiredness and avoidance of voice use, 0.879 for physical discomfort with voice use, and 0.882 for improvement of symptoms with voice rest. The test-retest reliability revealed 0.877 for the tiredness and avoidance of voice use, 0.913 for the physical discomfort with voice use, and 0.820 for the improvement of symptoms with voice rest. When compared with healthy individuals, VFI factor scores were statistically significant higher in patients with voice disorders. The V-RQOL scores decreased significantly as the VFI scores increased.Conclusion The Turkish version of the VFI is a good reliable and valid instrument for evaluating vocal fatigue symptoms in the Turkish-speaking community.

Highlights

Vocal fatigue is a commonly reported condition in voice disorders there is no commonly accepted definition of the term [1,2]
Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI)
The strength and direction of the relation between VFI and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) measure was evaluated for the validity analysis

Summary

Introduction

Vocal fatigue is a commonly reported condition in voice disorders there is no commonly accepted definition of the term [1,2]. Vocal fatigue may occur as a result of the use of a dysphonic voice during normal daily activity and further restricts communication activities. Prolonged use of the voice may be the cause of isolated vocal fatigue even if there is no underlying voice disorder and/or negative behavior [4,5,6]. While Welham and Maclagan [7] described vocal fatigue as a precursor to vocal pathologies that developed as a result of increased vocal load or prolonged use of voice, Solomon [2] proposed to include the concept of rest and described this situation as a perception of an increased vocal effort that increases over time with voice use and improves with voice rest

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