Correlation of voice handicap index scores with client perceptions of severity in males v/s females with voice disorder

Abstract

Voice is the mirror of personality, and an indispensable ingredient for effective communication. A person with dysphonia would thus be affected functionally and emotionally. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) measures these effects of a voice disorder. The present study aimed at making the VHI more usable in India, and finding the correlation of VHI scores with clients’ self-perceived severity of the voice disorder. The VHI was translated to Hindi and Marathi languages. Backtranslation of these versions and test-retest reliability was done before administering them to one of two groups (Hindi and Marathi) of 30 typical individuals. 11 males and 21 females with dysphonia were then given the VHI in their language of choice, and finally asked to rate the severity of their disorder. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and t-test were used. Frequency of distribution of scores was also analyzed for the entire sample of 92 individuals. The mean VHI scores of the normative sample and pathological samples were significantly different. Testretest reliability was >0.9 for both Indian versions. There was a moderate correlation between VHI scores and client perceptions of severity. It was moderate for males, poor for females, and poorest for working women. In cases with a discrepancy between VHI scores and self-perceived severity, at least one subscale score correlated well with the client’s perception. The results suggest that Hindi and Marathi versions may regularly be used for assessment. Correlation analysis shows that persons with dysphonia give more priority to only one of the three aspects of the disorder (functional, physical, emotional). Males view their problem more holistically while females tend to underestimate their problem, perhaps a salient characteristic of the Indian woman. The study was a pilot attempt at validating the VHI in Indian languages, and gave valuable information for assessment and therapy planning