Translation and validation of pediatric voice handicap index

Abstract

The study aims to validate the English version of the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (PVHI) to a Chinese version. Forty children (20 dysphonic children, 20 children with normal voices) and their respective parents were invited to participate in the study. Each parent was invited to fill in the Chinese PVHI while voice samples were collected from all children participants. The Computerized Speech Lab’s Multi-dimensional Voice Program was used to carry out acoustic analysis on the voice samples. The voice samples were also rated by three speech therapists for dysphonic severity levels. Results revealed high internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Chinese PVHI. Significantly higher Chinese PVHI Total and physical domain score in dysphonic group than in vocally healthy group, suggesting significantly poorer voice quality of children in dysphonic group than vocally healthy group, as shown by the acoustic and perceptual voice evaluation results was also found. There was significant correlation found between voice problem severity levels and impacts of voice-related quality of life. The present findings were consistent with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model (World Health Organization, 2001) that impairment, activity limitation and participation restriction can be affected differently to different extents.