Validation of the Voice Handicap Index-Throat in Brazilian Portuguese

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Voice Handicap Index-Throat (VHI-T) in Brazilian Portuguese and compare the three formats: VHI-T-Br, VHI-T used in combination with the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and VHI-T used in combination with the reduced version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) METHODS: This cross-sectional study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Recruitment and data collection were conducted remotely via social media and Google Forms, and in-person in different outpatient clinics at three hospitals. Participants were divided into two groups: those with and those without throat-related symptoms. The procedures were: (a) application of the VHI-T-BR and VHI; (b) application of the Cough Severity Index (CSI-Br) and Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (LHQ-Br); (c) reapplication of the VHI-T-BR and VHI after 2 to 15 days. The psychometric properties evaluated were construct validity and reliability.

RESULTS: The VHI-T-Br used alone and in combination with the VHI-10 (forming the VHI-20-Br) and the VHI (forming the VHI-40-BR) had results within the expected range for all psychometric properties. The VHI-20-BR had better internal consistency, known-groups validity hypothesis, and test-retest reliability scores. The VHI-40-BR had the best structural validity but was at risk of redundancy. The VHI-T-BR alone had better results in the convergent validity hypothesis.

CONCLUSION: The VHI-T-Br was validated and proved reliable both alone and in combination with the VHI-10 (forming the VHI-20-BR) and the VHI (forming the VHI-40-BR). The VHI-20-BR had the best balance of psychometric properties.