Objective:
This study assessed the prevalence of voice-related issues among college students using the Voice Handicap Index-10 and the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale. It also investigated the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms through the Reflux Symptom Index and examined correlations among the VHI-10, RSI, and VTD questionnaires.

Methods:
A total of 199 college students at DeSales University participated by completing three standardized questionnaires: the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), and the Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) scale. Each questionnaire assessed distinct aspects of voice and throat health. Data collection was conducted via Qualtrics (a digital survey platform), ensuring ease of access for participants and uniformity in responses.

Results:
The study sampled 199 college students at DeSales University, with a mean age of 21.30 (SD = 3.92), including 137 females (mean age = 21.27, SD = 4.36) and 62 males (mean age = 21.37, SD = 2.77). The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) showed a mean score of 3.95 (SD = 4.71), with 18 participants scoring above the cut-off of 11. The mean Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) was 7.41 (SD = 7.17), with 32 participants exceeding the cut-off score of 13. Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) reported a total score of 5.47, a frequency mean of 5.95 (SD = 6.15), and a severity mean of 5.03 (SD = 6.21). Correlation analyses revealed a moderate positive correlation between VHI-10 and RSI (r = 0.341, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.46), VHI-10 and VTD Total (r = 0.34, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.46), and a strong positive correlation between RSI and VTD Total (r = 0.741, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.8).

Conclusion:
About 9.05% of participants exhibited VHI-10 scores above the cut-off score of 11, and 16.08% reported RSI scores above the cut-off score of 13. Correlation analyses revealed a strong association between RSI and VTD Total scores, emphasizing the interconnectedness of reflux and vocal tract discomfort.