This preliminary qualitative description study explored knowledge from urban Ghanaians about the nature and impact of their self-reported voice problem. Ten Ghanaians were screened for a self-reported voice disorder using the Voice Handicap Index–10 (VHI-10), and they also completed a structured interview with a speech-language therapist. Content analysis was completed from interview responses using quantification of data. Four out of 10 adult Ghanaians demonstrated high VHI-10 scores that indicated a self-reported voice disorder. Themes that emerged included a recurring problem with voice, multiple vocal impairments, limitations with participating in vocal activities, and other health problems. Lack of financial resources and little knowledge about voice disorders were barriers to accessing care. In summary, four adult Ghanaians with a self-reported voice disorder described multiple problems with their voice, limiting their participation in vocal activities. Implications of these preliminary findings include early identification and improving voice care access to avoid handicapping voice problems.

中文翻译：

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加纳城市自我报告语音障碍的初步发现：一项定性描述研究

这项初步的定性描述研究探索了加纳城市人关于他们自我报告的声音问题的性质和影响的知识。使用语音障碍指数 10 (VHI-10) 对 10 名加纳人进行了自我报告的语音障碍筛查，他们还完成了与语言治疗师的结构化访谈。内容分析是使用数据量化从访谈回复中完成的。10 名成年加纳人中有 4 人表现出高 VHI-10 分数，这表明他们有自我报告的声音障碍。出现的主题包括反复出现的声音问题、多种声音障碍、参与声音活动的限制以及其他健康问题。缺乏财政资源和对声音障碍的了解很少是获得护理的障碍。总之，四名患有自我报告的声音障碍的成年加纳人描述了他们的声音有多种问题，限制了他们参与发声活动。这些初步发现的意义包括早期识别和改善语音护理的可及性，以避免妨碍语音问题。