engleski

VALIDATION OF CROATIAN VOICE HANDICAP INDEX

Short, self-report symptom questionnaires are often used in clinical setting for assessing patient’s perception of voice problems or to monitor the efficacy of the treatment. Voice Handicap Index is a questionnaire developed in the USA for self- assessment of voice difficulties. Aside from American questionnaire, there are several VHI adaptations in Europe (Dutch, Flemish, British, French, German, Italian and Portuguese) compared in several previous researches. The results confirm validity of all questionnaires and are considered appropriate for cross-linguistic comparisons. Also, adaptations for pediatric use and for singers were also developed supporting the quality and practicality of VHI and indicating the necessity for validation of the questionnaire for special groups. Therefore the aim of this paper was to make Croatian adaptation of VHI and validate it for general population but in groups of vocal professionals. This research included several groups of vocal professionals with frequent voice problems: actors, anchors and journalists, teachers, coaches, and kindergarden teachers. Statistical analysis indicated high levels of reliability and validity and also sensitivity of the VHI questionnaire. Controls (general population) showed lower results than voice professionals for the entire questionnaire and on each scale (functional, physical and emotional) confirming the validity of VHI. It can be concluded that Croatian VHI is valid and reliable measure for use in Croatian clinical context and for coparison with similar research.

voice; VHI; disorders; self-assesment

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