As practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of children with speech and language disorders, it is crucial to base our interventions on solid evidence. A recent study titled QUALITY OF LIFE IN DYSPHONIC CHILDREN MEASURED ON PEDIATRIC VOICE-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (PVRQOL) SCALE IN SERBIA provides valuable insights into the impact of dysphonia on children's quality of life. This blog post aims to highlight key findings from this research and offer practical steps for practitioners to enhance their skills and outcomes.
Understanding Dysphonia in Children
Dysphonia, commonly known as hoarseness, affects children of all ages and is often caused by improper or excessive use of the vocal apparatus. The study involved 91 children aged 6-12 with hoarseness and 243 healthy children as a control group. The research utilized the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life (PVRQOL) questionnaire to assess the impact of hoarseness on children's lives.
Key Findings
- Parents often do not recognize hoarseness as a health problem in children.
- Hoarseness significantly impacts the quality of life, particularly in social and emotional domains.
- Gender differences were notable, with parents recognizing hoarseness as a more significant issue in girls than in boys.
- Comorbid conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma further exacerbate the impact of hoarseness.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some practical steps that practitioners can take to improve outcomes for dysphonic children:
1. Educate Parents and Teachers
One of the most significant findings was that parents often do not recognize hoarseness as a health problem. Practitioners should focus on educating parents and teachers about the signs of dysphonia and its potential impact on a child's quality of life. Workshops, informational brochures, and one-on-one consultations can be effective methods.
2. Implement Comprehensive Assessments
The study used the PVRQOL questionnaire, which includes physical, socio-emotional, and functional aspects of hoarseness. Incorporating comprehensive assessments like PVRQOL into your practice can provide a more holistic understanding of how dysphonia affects each child.
3. Address Comorbid Conditions
Children with conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma were found to have a more significant impact on their voice-related quality of life. Practitioners should consider these comorbidities when designing treatment plans and collaborate with other healthcare providers to address these issues concurrently.
4. Tailor Interventions Based on Gender
The study highlighted that parents perceive hoarseness as a more significant issue in girls. While treatment should be individualized, being aware of these gender differences can help tailor interventions more effectively.
5. Promote Vocal Hygiene
Irregular phonation automatisms are difficult to dissolve, requiring long-term vocal therapy. Teaching children proper vocal hygiene and techniques for reducing vocal strain can be a critical component of treatment.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is essential for continually improving our understanding and treatment of pediatric dysphonia. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in or conducting studies to contribute to this growing field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: QUALITY OF LIFE IN DYSPHONIC CHILDREN MEASURED ON PEDIATRIC VOICE-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (PVRQOL) SCALE IN SERBIA.
