Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Vocal Fatigue Index Into Persian Publisher Pubmed



Naderifar E¹ ; Moradi N¹ ; Farzadi F² ; Tahmasebi N¹ ; Soltani M¹ ; Latifi SM³ ; Nanjundeswaran C⁴
Source: Journal of Voice Published:2019

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) in Persian. Methods: The English version of the VFI was translated to Persian using the guidelines of International Quality of Life Assessment. Eighty participants with voice disorders and 50 healthy controls without any voice disorders completed the Persian version of the VFI. The 80 participants with voice disorders completed the VFI a second time a week from the initial completion to evaluate test-retest reliability. Results: The VFI measure demonstrated a strong internal consistency. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.95 for tiredness and avoidance of voice use, 0.86 for physical discomfort and 0.83 for improvement or lack thereof of symptoms with voice rest. VFI also showed a high test-retest reliability (r = 0.75–0.89). Conclusions: The Persian version of the VFI is considered to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for identifying individuals with probable vocal fatigue. The VFI can be utilized in clinics across Iran in the assessment and treatment of individuals with vocal fatigue. © 2018 The Voice Foundation