Possible cross-cultural differences in the perception of impact of voice disorders

J Voice. 2011 May;25(3):348-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2009.10.005. Epub 2010 Mar 23.

Abstract

Perception of the impact of voice disorders may differ across different cultural backgrounds. This study investigated the difference in the perception of the impact of voice disorders between the American (Pittsburgh) and Chinese (Hong Kong) cultures.

Study design and setting: Sixty dysphonic subjects from Hong Kong, China, and 60 dysphonic subjects from Pittsburgh, USA, were recruited to complete the Chinese and English versions of the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), respectively. Data analyses using independent t tests were conducted on (1) the total profile scores; (b) total activity limitation score (ALS) and total participation restriction score (PRS); (c) section scores of job, daily communication, and social communication; and (d) section ALS and section PRS.

Results: Hong Kong subjects showed significantly higher scores than the Pittsburgh subjects in total profile and other subsections except in the job PRS.

Conclusion: RESULTS support the possible influence of individualist and collectivist cultures on the perceived impact of voice disorders on the activity and participation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Communication
  • Cost of Illness
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Dysphonia / diagnosis
  • Dysphonia / ethnology*
  • Dysphonia / physiopathology
  • Dysphonia / psychology*
  • Employment / psychology
  • Female
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pennsylvania
  • Quality of Life*
  • Self Concept*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Voice Quality*
  • White People / psychology*
  • Young Adult