Vietnamese Version of the Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure: Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Test of Validity and Reliability

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) measure into Vietnamese and to evaluate its validity and reliability among people with voice disorders in Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with 81 participants who self-reported voice problems was implemented in two phases. Phase 1 involved the cross-cultural adaptation of the V-RQOL measure using forward and backward translation procedures. In Phase 2, the adapted instrument was administered to participants to assess reliability and validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was examined in 50 participants via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was examined through both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

Results: The instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.81, P < 0.001). EFA revealed a single factor, with all items loading significantly (≥0.50), accounting for 50.87% of the total variance (Eigenvalue = 5.09). This unidimensional structure was subsequently confirmed by CFA, which yielded model fit indices: GFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95, and RMSEA = 0.08.

Conclusions: The Vietnamese version of the V-RQOL (V-RQOL-V) demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. This is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the impact of voice disorders on quality of life and can be applied in both clinical and research settings in Vietnam.

Keywords: Quality of life; Reliability; Validity; Voice; Voice disorder.