Validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Montenegrin 10-item Voice Handicap Index.

Abstract

The purpose of the this cross-sectional study was to assess clinical validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the adapted Montenegrin translation of the Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10). It included 50 patients with voice disorders, divided into three subgroups according disease aetiology: structural, neurological, and functional and a control group of 50 vocally healthy participants. Mean patient VHI-10 score of 21.1±7.6 was significantly higher than the 2.3±2.5 score of controls (p<0.001). Each of the three patient subgroups also scored significantly higher than control (p<0.001). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.90 (p<0.001) indicated a very strong correlation between the Montenegrin VHI-10 score and self-reported perception of the severity of voice disorder. Excellent internal consistency was found in the patient group, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94. Test-retest reliability was also excellent, with intra class correlation coefficient of 0.98. The translated Montenegrin version of VHI-10 is a valid, reliable, and clinically useful tool for self-assessment of the severity of voice disorders in individuals with voice problems in daily practice and in research projects.