Validation and Development of Voice Handicap Index-Throat for Koreans

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This study aimed to develop, validate, and analyze the reliability of the Korean version of the Voice Handicap Index-Throat (VHI-T<sub>k</sub>). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This prospective study included 103 patients in the case group with voice problems (18 with functional dysphonia, 44 with mass in the larynx, 18 with neurological voice disorder, 23 with throat problems) and 27 in the control group without voice problems. All participants completed these questionnaires at their initial visit: the Korean version of the Voice Handicap Index (K-VHI), VHI-T<sub>k</sub>, and the Korean version of the Voice Symptom Scale (K-VoiSS). Case group patients in the case group recompleted the VHI-T<sub>k</sub> questionnaire to assess test-retest reliability. Finally, a one-way analysis of variance was implemented to assess differences in VHI-T<sub>k</sub> scores among the four diagnosis types in the case group. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The VHI-T<sub>k</sub> scores in the case group were significantly higher than in the control group. The VHI-T<sub>k</sub> was significantly correlated with the subscales of K-VHI and K-VoiSS. The VHI-T<sub>k</sub> has significant test-retest reliability, and its internal consistency is good to excellent (Cronbach’s alpha correlation coefficient range: 0.895–0.901). There was significant difference in the mean VHI-T<sub>k</sub> scores according to the four diagnosis types (throat problems group > neurological voice disorder group). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We validated the VHI-T questionnaire to measure self-perceived voice and throat problems among Koreans. A large sample size and various diagnosis types are required in future studies to fully validate the VHI-T for use in multiple cultures.