Examining the Construct Validity of the V-RQOL in Speakers Who Use Alaryngeal Voice

Abstract

The results indicate that some V-RQOL questions do not align with their proposed domains. Consequently, an alternative scoring algorithm may be warranted for alaryngeal populations, and the authors make suggestions for this change that are simple and efficient. Based on the findings of the present factor analysis, use of this modified scoring procedure may serve to increase the sensitivity of the V-RQOL for those who are laryngectomized and use alaryngeal methods of voice and speech. Consequently, the value and application of the V-RQOL may be expanded in the clinical setting.

Quality of life among total laryngectomized patients undergoing speech rehabilitation: correlation between several instruments

“…Another study showed that only two questions do not apply to this particular population. The authors suggested adjusting the scores to improve the instrument's sensitivity (12). Studies analysing other voice disorders also found a similar correlation between the V-RQOL and VHI (59,60).…”

“…Studies investigating quality of life after total laryngectomy have used several instruments. However, most of these studies use a single questionnaire, or they apply one specific voice and one specific cancer to assess different forms of rehabilitation when more than one are associated (9,(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Previous studies have compared different instruments for monitoring quality of life after cancer treatment but without detailing the variable of phonatoric rehabilitation (17)(18)(19).…”

“…A previous study has evaluated the quality of life using a general SF-36 instrument associated with a specific voice (V-RQOL) in heterogeneous samples, including dysphonia caused by laryngeal cancer or not caused by laryngeal cancer (23). Other studies have applied only specific voice protocols (V-RQOL and/or VHI) to investigate the vocal disadvantage, quality of life and voice as well as how these individuals deal with vocal impairment resulting from laryngectomies (12,14,24,25). The Coping Strategies in Dysphonia Protocol (PEED-27) has also been utilized to investigate strategies used after total laryngectomy (24).…”

Voice outcomes post total laryngectomy

“…The Vocal Handicap Index (VHI) [36] and VHI-10 [37] show mild-moderate handicap in alaryngeal speakers [38][39][40][41]and the VoiSS [42] was sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate poorer outcomes for salvage compared to primary laryngectomy. The Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) has been used in a number of alaryngeal investigations [40,[43][44][45][46][47] and has the added advantage of having undergone an investigation of construct validity for alaryngeal voice [46]. This involved factor analysis [46] which suggested that alaryngeal speakers interpret some questions from an awareness of the social impact of their voice due to its difference to that of laryngeal speakers.…”

“…The Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) has been used in a number of alaryngeal investigations [40,[43][44][45][46][47] and has the added advantage of having undergone an investigation of construct validity for alaryngeal voice [46]. This involved factor analysis [46] which suggested that alaryngeal speakers interpret some questions from an awareness of the social impact of their voice due to its difference to that of laryngeal speakers. The authors considered the tool's validity with this patient group would be increased if these questions were rephrased or moved from the physical to the social-emotional domain section.…”