Résumé
Objectives: This study aimed to assess potential associations between self-reported symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux [LPR] and voice disorders among two undiagnosed cohorts in Saudi Arabia
Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted from February to April 2017 in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Validated Arabic versions of the Reflux Symptom Index [RSI] and 10-item Voice Handicap Index [VHI-10] were distributed to 400 teachers at 13 schools and 300 members of the general population attending an ear, nose and throat clinic in Khobar. Scores of >13 and >11 on the RSI and VHI-10 indicated a potential subjective diagnosis of LPR and voice disorders, respectively
Results: A total of 446 individuals took part in the study, including 260 members of the general population [response rate: 86.7%] and 186 teachers [response rate: 46.5%]. The mean age was 32.5 years. In total, 62.2% complained of voice and/or reflux problems, with the remaining 37.8% not reporting/unaware of any problems in this regard. Among the teachers, 30.6% and 18.3% had positive RSI and VHI-10 scores, respectively, while 43.1% and 14.6% of the individuals from the general population had positive RSI and VHI-10 scores, respectively. Overall, VHI-10 scores were significantly associated with RSI scores [P <0.001]
Conclusion: A significant association between RSI and VHI-10 scores suggests that there may be an association between LPR and voice disorders. These tools would therefore be a valuable method of monitoring patients; however, they cannot be used to confirm a diagnosis. Thus, more detailed studies are needed to confirm this association using a larger sample size