Adaptation and Modification of The Malay Language Version of Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) for Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a neurogenic dysphonia, is characterised by involuntary spasms of the vocal cords.Existing questionnaires do not specifically capture the impact of impairment in SD.This qualitative study gathered insights from experts and SD patients through a three-stage process: adaptation and contextualisation of the Malay Voice Handicap Index-10 (mVHI-10), content validation by experts and face validation of the contextualised mVHI-10.Five new items were developed to represent key themes identified in patient interviews.The scale-level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.95 for the preliminary items and 0.98 for the final items.The final SD-specific Voice Handicap Index questionnaire (SD-VHI-10) consists of 10 items; six retained from the original mVHI-10 and four adapted.Designed to reflect the experiences of SD patients in Malaysia, the SD-VHI-10 demonstrates strong content and face validity.