Standardization of the Arabic version of the Voice Handicap Index: An investigation of validity and reliability

Abstract

Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the VHI (VHI-Arab) were investigated. Possible effects of participant-inherent factors (i.e. age, sex) on participant (77 females, 35 males) responses were also investigated. Results showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha r > 0.857 for all scores). Test-retest reliability was found to be strong (r > 0.87 for all scores). Validity results indicated significant moderate correlations between total VHI score and responses to severity (r = 0.521, P = 0.015) and satisfaction (r = 20.556, P = 0.009) questions. VHI-Arab was found to be unaffected by age (P > 0.10 for all scores) or sex (P > 0.05). This study produced a valid and reliable instrument for measuring participation restriction in Arabic-speaking individuals with voice disorders.

Key words::

• Quality of life
• VHI
• voice

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of professor Jihad M. Hamdan, University of Jordan, during the translation phase of the VHI-Arab.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.