Validation and Cultural Adaptation of the Arabic Version of the Aging Voice Index.

BACKGROUND

The aging voice index (AVI) is a 23-item self-administered, patient-reported outcome measure. It was developed in the English language to assess the impact of voice disorders on the elderly population.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop an Arabic version of the AVI (A-AVI), test its reliability and validity, and assess its psychometric aspects in Arabic-speaking elderly persons with voice disorders.

STUDY DESIGN/

METHODS

This was an observational, cross-sectional study involving elderly patients aged ≥60 years. Eighty-two patients with voice disorders were included in the dysphonia group and 77 patients without voice disorders were included in the vocally healthy group. The translated A-AVI and Arabic voice handicap index 10 (A-VHI10) were distributed to the study groups. The A-AVI was tested for its reliability (test-retest reliability and internal consistency) and validity (content, construct, and concurrent with A-VHI10).

RESULTS

The A-AVI showed excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.987 and Cronbach's alpha = 0.954, respectively). There was a significant difference in A-AVI scores between the elderly in the dysphonia and vocally healthy groups (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant correlation was demonstrated between A-AVI and A-VHI10 (r = 0.89). Unilateral vocal fold immobility and inflammatory laryngeal disorders were most frequently reported by the dysphonia group (28%).

CONCLUSIONS

A-AVI has excellent validity and reliability in Arab-speaking elderly patients with voice disorders. It can be considered in the assessment of the effect of voice disorders on the quality of life of the elderly.