Cross Cultural Adaptation of the Self-Assesment Survey SingingVoice Handicap Index (SVHI) to the Chilean Spanish Adaptación lingüística y cultural al español chileno del cuestionario de autovaloración vocal para cantantes Singing Voice Handicap Index (S-VHI)

Abstract

Purpose.  To adapt the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) questionnaire linguistically and culturally to Chilean Spanish.

Methodology. The SVHI was directly translated into Chilean Spanish and later back-translated into the original English language; both translations were reviewed by a judgment of bilingual experts, who defined which items would make up the first version of the translated tool. This version was answered by 15 Chilean singers with a diagnosis of dysphonia, with the aim of identifying discrepancies, which were reviewed and agreed upon by the committee of experts; a second modified version was applied to 5 more singers with a diagnosis of dysphonia, not finding misunderstood or inappropriate questions for Chilean culture at this stage.

Results. 5 of the 9 items questioned were modified to reach the final version that reflects the original English version, both in the number of items and in the domains of the survey.

Limitations. Due to the number of participating people, only the cultural adaptation could be carried out and not the validation of the instrument that considers cut-off scores for the population studied. Therefore, the tool can be used to carry out a qualitative and not quantitative analysis.

Value. Having this survey translated, following a rigorous methodological process, allows Chilean singers to express their singing-related vocal disadvantage and identify the most affected domains and, thus, plan the vocal intervention more specifically.

Conclusion. The Singing Voice Disadvantage Index questionnaire for Chilean Spanish is available for its application to the Chilean language and culture.