Korean Version of the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (K-VAPP): A Validation Study

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to confirm the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (K-VAPP), which is a self-reported questionnaire to measure activity limitation and participation restriction caused by voice disorders.

Methods

The original version of the VAPP was translated into Korean to achieve conceptual and linguistic equivalence and to evaluate measurement properties. The K-VAPP was administered to 300 participants (150 with vocal complaints, 150 without vocal complaints). The instrument was evaluated with regards to its validity, reliability and cutoff scores for the total score, activity limitation score (ALS), and participation restriction score (PRS).

Results

The total score, ALS, PRS, and five subscale scores of the patient group were higher than those of the control group. Concurrent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and item discrimination were satisfactory. The cutoff scores of the total score, ALS, and PRS were 14.5, 4.5, and 1.5, respectively. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Conclusion

The K-VAPP was proven to have sufficient validity and reliability to be used in Korean voice clinics and research. Further studies related to its responsiveness and various profiles with different etiologies or profession groups are needed.