Urica-VV Scale: A New Research Perspective of The Stage of Readiness for Treatment in Patients with Dysphonia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo obtain evidence of validity for the URICA-V scale and estimate the psychometric properties of its items based on item response theory (IRT). MethodA total of 658 individuals of both sexes over 18 years of age were allocated into two groups: with dysphonia group (WDG) and vocally healthy group (VHG). A digital database was constructed with personal and professional data and item-by-item responses on the URICA-V scale. Subsequently, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), application of IRT using Samejima's model and ROC curve analysis were used to obtain the cutoff point for the URICA-V scale. ResultsA different version of the original URICA-V scale was obtained. Of the 32 items from the original protocol, 25 better explained the instrument and were regrouped into two domains: contemplation and maintenance. It was possible to identify which items generated higher difficulty (b) and discrimination (a) values and which contributed to the presentation of a calculation based on the theta of each participant. The ROC curve was analyzed, and a cutoff point of -0.236 was established; establishing a cutoff point facilitates the decision of which individuals are in a state of readiness for voice treatment. ConclusionThe present study provided evidence that allows us to propose the URICA-Voice validated (URICA-VV) scale within a more contemporary perspective and with a reduced number of items and domains. In addition, a cutoff point was obtained based on IRT to measure, with greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, the stage of readiness and to differentiate individuals who have an indication for speech therapy.