Establishing normative voice-related quality of life scores within the pediatric otolaryngology population.
OBJECTIVE
To establish normative values for voice-related quality of life across a broad pediatric otolaryngology population using the Pediatric Voice Outcome Survey (PVOS).


METHODS
Longitudinal study.


METHODS
Multiphysician outpatient pediatric otolaryngology practice.


METHODS
The PVOS was completed by 385 parents of children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years. Of the 385 parents, 75 were readministered the instrument 2 weeks after no intervention had been provided. Data were collected regarding the patients' age, main diagnosis, and operative intervention.


RESULTS
The PVOS demonstrated robust internal consistency with an overall Cronbach alpha value of.70. Test-retest reliability demonstrated a weighted kappa value of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95) The mean +/- SD converted score (based on a 0-100 scale) for the overall population was 80.5 +/- 19.9. Converted PVOS scores are provided for each subpopulation according to main diagnosis. The PVOS scores varied significantly according to age (P<.05) and preoperative and postoperative status following adenoidectomy (P<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The PVOS represents a valid and reliable instrument to measure voice-related quality of life in a broad pediatric otolaryngology population.
Hartnick
Christopher J
CJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA. christopher_hartnick@meei.harvard.edu
Volk
Mark
M
Cunningham
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D011788:Quality of Life; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*