A Scoping Review of Adaptation and Validation Practices of Cross-Linguistically Adapted Voice-Related Self-Reported Outcome Measures in Indian Populations.

Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review aims to map the extent and nature of research on the cross-linguistic adaptation and psychometric evaluation of voice-related Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in Indian populations. It provides a descriptive synthesis of translated and culturally adapted tools and identifies areas where further research is needed.

Method: The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases, and relevant studies were identified through title, abstract, and full-text screening. Studies were included if they described the adaptation and/or validation of voice-related PROMs for Indian language-speaking populations and reported any psychometric property. Data were charted for study characteristics, language of adaptation, tool type, participant details, and reported psychometric features based on the COSMIN taxonomy.

Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Most adaptations were conducted in South Indian languages such as Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam. Internal consistency and discriminant validity were the most commonly reported psychometric properties, while responsiveness and structural validity were less frequently addressed. Pediatric populations, North Indian languages, and gender-stratified analyses were underrepresented in the included studies.

Conclusion: This review highlights the growing body of research on voice-related PROM adaptation in India and reveals several gaps in language representation, population diversity, and psychometric reporting. By charting these characteristics, the review offers a foundation for future research aiming to develop inclusive, culturally appropriate tools for voice assessment in India's linguistically diverse context.