Validation of the Polish version of the Self-Evaluation of Communication Experience after Laryngectomy (SECEL) questionnaire

Abstract

<b><br>Introduction:</b> A total laryngectomy can impact multiple aspects of a patient’s life. Self-Evaluation of Communication Experience after Laryngectomy (SECEL) is a questionnaire adapted specifically for self-assessment of communication within laryngectomized patients.</br> <b><br>Aim:</br> The following study aims to evaluate the accuracy, reliability and validity of the Polish version of the questionnaire.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> The sample population consisted of 33 patients using the tracheoesophageal voice. All patient fulfill following questionnaires: SECEL, VHI, EORTC QLQ-C<sub>30</sub> and EORTC QLQ-H&N<sub>35</sub>. The objective tests included diadochokinesis (DDK) and maximum phonation time (MPT). The statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the standardized alpha coefficient, the U-MannWhitney test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> The results proved very good internal coherence of the Polish version of SECEL questionnaire, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient reaching the value of 0.92 and the standardized alpha coefficient being 0.93. The results demonstrated high reliability of the test’s reproducibility (Spearman coefficient 0,73). Statistical analysis indicated a high correlation between both SECEL and VHI, and SECEL and the subscale of Speech Problems of H&N35 questionnaire. SECEL results were not correlated with MPT(a) and DDK. The results obtained are comparable to those provided in previous language- specific validations of the SECEL questionnaire.</br> <b><br>Conclusion:</b> The Polish version of the SECEL questionnaire has satisfactory internal coherence, reliability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the results of statistical analysis of the Polish-language version of SECEL remain consistent with those obtained by the authors of other validations. The aforementioned data is sufficient for the proposal to widespread the Polish translation of the SECEL questionnaire in clinical practice.</br>