Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Construct Validity of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire
Ana Flávia de Sales Cândido1, Jozemar Pereira Dos Santos1, Anna Alice Almeida1
1PhD Program in Decision and Health Models, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Brazil.
Background:
Impairment of voice and swallowing after thyroidectomy can negatively affect communication, eating and overall quality of life. The Thyroidectomy-Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire was developed to facilitate the early identification and monitoring of voice and swallowing outcomes in patients who have undergone thyroidectomy. While it has been translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, there is currently no evidence supporting its construct validity.
Aim:
To examine the construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire (BR-PT-TVSQ).
Methods And Procedures:
This cross-sectional study included 395 Brazilian individuals undergoing thyroidectomy, mainly female (95.2%), with a mean age of 41.38 ± 11.12 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the structural validity of the 20-item BR-PT-TVSQ. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity were analysed through internal correlations.
Outcomes And Results:
The EFA suggested a three-factor model with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.947. The CFA confirmed the three-factor model with acceptable goodness-of-fit indices: Factor 1 = voice symptoms; Factor 2 = oropharyngolaryngeal symptoms and Factor 3 = cervical and thoracic discomfort. All three factors presented significant convergent validity. The discriminatory power between Factors 2 and 3 was smaller than in other comparisons.
Conclusions And Implications:
The BR-PT-TVSQ provided evidence of construct validity for a three-factor model with acceptable structure, convergent and discriminant validity. These sources of validity evidence are crucial to clinically ensure that the TVSQ-PT-BR structure accurately represents the investigated outcomes.
What This Paper Adds:
What is already known on this subject The Thyroidectomy-Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire (TVSQ) was developed to identify and monitor symptoms related to voice, swallowing and neck discomfort in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The TVSQ has already been translated and culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese (BR-PT-TVSQ). However, the BR-PT-TVSQ still lacks validation for other measurement properties, including construct validity. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study demonstrates that the BR-PT-TVSQ has construct validity, featuring three dimensions and acceptable levels of internal consistency, convergent validity and discriminant validity. These forms of validity evidence ensure that the structure of the instrument accurately represents the outcomes and dimensions being investigated, making it suitable for clinical use. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The BR-PT-TVSQ is the only tool available in Brazilian Portuguese that has verified construct validity for the early assessment of symptoms related to voice, swallowing and neck discomfort in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. This questionnaire aids in decision-making and the rehabilitation process.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...