Adaptation of Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol to Turkish and examination of its validity and reliability

Dysphonia is a disorder characterized by deterioration in voice quality that can affect people of all ages and genders. Dysphonia screening can identify individuals at high risk of dysphonia and enable early intervention. The aim of this study was to adapt the Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol to Turkish and to examine its validity and reliability. A total of 140 individuals, 70 with a healthy voice and 70 with a dysphonic voice, participated in the study. Participants were divided into female, male, and child groups. Participants first completed the DRTP-TR. Then, auditory perceptual, acoustic, and self-assessments were made. The GRBAS scale was used for auditory perceptual assessment, and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) were used for self-assessment. Fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and NHR values were utilized in the acoustic assessment. Findings concluded that DRTP-TR scores differed in healthy and dysphonic participants in all groups. DRTP-TR showed high reliability and validity results. The relationship between DRTP-TR and other assessment findings was examined. A significant correlation was observed between DRTP-TR scores and G score, VHI/pVHI score, and jitter, shimmer, and NHR values. The cut-off score of DRTP-TR was found to be 39 in women, 32.5 in men, and 22.5 in children. In conclusion, DRTP-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used in dysphonia screening in Turkish-speaking individuals.