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Disease-specific self-efficacy in spasmodic dysphonia patients
Amanda Hu1, Derek Isetti, Allen D Hillel
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA. amandahu@phillyent.com
Summary
Self-efficacy (SE) in spasmodic dysphonia (SD) patients is high, particularly disease-specific SE. Higher SE-SD scores correlate with reduced vocal handicap, anxiety, and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Self-efficacy (SE) is a key predictor of health behaviors, reflecting an individual's belief in their ability to perform tasks.
- Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a neurological voice disorder impacting communication and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-efficacy levels in patients with spasmodic dysphonia.
- To develop and validate a disease-specific self-efficacy scale for SD (SE-SD).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted at an academic hospital.
- A 13-item disease-specific SE-SD scale was developed using input from laryngologists, speech pathologists, and SD patients.
- Validated scales including the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to 145 SD patients.
Main Results:
- General SE scores were high (33.4 ± 5.2/40) and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression (HADS-A/D).
- The developed 13-item SE-SD scale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.907).
- Higher SE-SD scores were significantly associated with lower vocal handicap (VHI-10) and reduced anxiety/depression levels.
Conclusions:
- Spasmodic dysphonia patients receiving botulinum toxin injections exhibit substantial general and disease-specific self-efficacy.
- The newly developed SE-SD scale is a reliable measure for assessing self-efficacy in SD.
- Disease-specific self-efficacy is a significant factor influencing vocal handicap and psychological well-being in SD patients.
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