Validity and reliability of Lithuanian Speech Handicap Index (SHI-LT)

Abstract

Introduction. Subjective evaluation is important when assessing speech impairment conditions, treatment and rehabilitation. Speech Handicap Index (SHI)* created in Holland in 2008 is wide using for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate validity and reliability of Lithuanian version of the SHI. METHODS: 30-items Lithuanian Speech Handicap Index (SDILT) was translated, adapted and validated following the international recommendations. The scores of SHI-LT ranged from 0 to 120 points, when the highest score means the most severe speech disability. The final version of the SHI-LT was filled in by 60 healthy adult individuals and 109 patients with different causes of speech impairment (neurologic, articulation and phonation disorders). Discriminative power, cut-off value, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the mean scores of the SDI-LT of the control (5.8±6.6 points) and patients groups (45.2±31.9 points). Statistically significant differences were also detected between different patient subgroups (p < 0.001). The phonation disorders subgroup (post partial or total laryngectomy, unilateral vocal fold paralysis) had the highest SHI values (65.9±27.4 points). CONCLUSION: The SHI-LT is reliable and valid self-assessment questionnaire useful for quantitative evaluation of speech impairment in Lithuanian speaking patients.