Content and layout development and validation of a vocal health guide for older adults

ABSTRACT Purpose: to develop and validate the content and layout of an educational guide on promoting vocal health of older adults. Methods: a methodological study, conducted in two stages: 1 - Development of the guide as an educative technology; 2 - Qualification of the educative material with validation of the guide’s content, layout and suitability by 13 judges (speech-language-hearing pathologists) and legitimization of the educative material by the target population, 9 older adults. The validation of the guide by the judges and older adults was based on the content validity index. Results: the aspects of objectivity, structure, presentation and relevance of the content were considered pertinent by the judges with an approximate score average of 0.92. However, some words were substituted or removed to bring more clarity to the reader, without loss to the overall message, in addition to the suggestions that were accepted for the final version. The older adults returned a positive assessment. Conclusion: the educative guide was validated regarding the aspects of content, layout and suitability for the vocal health promotion of older adults. Their knowledge of voice health is expected to promote the quality of life and benefit active and healthy aging.