Comparison and correlation between the pediatric Voice Handicap Index and the pediatric voice-related quality-of-life questionnaires

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate differences and correlations between the pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) and the pediatric Voice-Related Quality-of-life (pVRQOL) questionnaires in children with and without voice disorders. This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 418 parents with children aged 2 to 14 years participated in this study from May 2016 to July 2017. This included 221 parents of children with voice disorders (dysphonic group) and 197 parents of children without voice disorders (control group). The scores for the pVHI and the pVRQOL were compared, and correlation analysis was performed. Compared with the control group, the dysphonic group had a significantly higher total score and subscale scores for the pVHI (P < .001), and significantly lower pVRQOL scores (P < .001). The pVHI showed greater differences in subscale scores among the three dysphonic subgroups than the pVRQOL. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the pVHI and pVRQOL was –0.844 (P < .001). The total scores for the pVHI and pVRQOL also correlated significantly for each diagnostic category (P < .001). Voice-related quality of life was poorer in children with voice disorders than in those without voice disorders. The pVHI and pVRQOL scores were moderately- to strongly correlated. These may be useful tools for assessing the voice-related quality of life in children. The pVHI may provide more useful details about the effects of different types of voice disorders on the voice-related quality of life than the pVRQOL.