title: Correlation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure (V-RQOL).
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure (V-RQOL), and to test conversion of scores between the two instruments. Understanding the relationship between instruments will facilitate comparison of voice outcome studies using different measures. A retrospective medical chart review of 140 consecutive patients with a chief complaint related to their voice presenting for speech pathology voice evaluation following laryngology evaluation and diagnosis was adopted. Each patient who filled out the VHI and V-RQOL within a 2-week period with no intervening treatment was included in the study. Correlation analysis for total scores was performed for the patients meeting inclusion criteria (n=132). Correlations were also performed as a function of diagnosis. Calculated VHI score based on measured V-RQOL score was compared to measured VHI score. Pearson correlation between scores on the VHI and V-RQOL was -0.82. There was no significant difference between the mean measured and mean calculated VHI scores. For individual scores, however, regression analysis did reveal a significant difference between calculated and measured VHI. The VHI and V-RQOL are highly correlated; however, this study suggests that the two instruments are not interchangeable for individuals.
authors.affiliation: Emory Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA.
authors.forename: Carissa R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Portone
authors.forename: Edie R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Hapner
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McGregor
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Otto
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Johns
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014833:Voice Quality