The impact of gender and age on voice related quality of life in children: Normative data

SummaryObjectivesAlthough several instruments are available to measure voice quality in children, their application to a normal population and major demographic subgroups has not been described. It is hypothesized that there is no measurable difference in self-reported voice related quality of life between gender and age groups within a population of normal children as measured by the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life (PVRQOL) instrument.MethodsThe PVRQOL instrument was used to prospectively survey a cohort of children in series at the Wisconsin State Fair. PVRQOL scores may range from 0 (complete dysfunction) to 100 (no dysfunction). Comparisons were made between age and gender groups in order to test the null hypothesis.ResultsOf the 100 surveys completed by parents of children, 93 were performed correctly and had evaluable data (age range 2–17 years, mean 9.8). The mean PVRQOL score was 97.0 ± 5.6. There was no difference between females and males (97.5 ± 5.83 versus 96.5 ± 5.3, p > 0.05, unpaired t-test); however, within the pre-pubescent school age subjects, a diminished PVRQOL was reported for boys (95.5 ± 6.37) as compared to girls (98.5 ± 3.10, p < 0.05, unpaired t-test). Further subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between age groups or gender.ConclusionsAmongst a random group of children without voice complaints queried outside of a medical center, self-reported PVRQOL showed no significant dysfunction. This is the first report of gender and age-specific normative PVRQOL data in children. A score of 86 or greater on the PVRQOL instrument represents a normal voice related quality of life.