Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: A community survey

C S Agnes; Srikanth Nayak; Usha Devadas

doi:10.1007/s12664-023-01476-z

Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: A community survey

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2023 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s12664-023-01476-z. Online ahead of print.

Authors

C S Agnes¹, Srikanth Nayak², Usha Devadas³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Speech and Hearing, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India.
² Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575 018, India.
³ Department of Speech and Hearing, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India. usha.d@manipal.edu.

PMID: 38105373
DOI: 10.1007/s12664-023-01476-z

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition in older adults with significant implications for health and quality of life (QOL). However, its prevalence and associated factors in the Indian community-dwelling older adults remain understudied. The present study aims at identifying the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in Indian community-dwelling older adults and identifying the age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia in this population.

Methods: Total 384 community-dwelling older adults (60 years of age or older) who were independent in performing daily activities were included in the present study. The Malayalam version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was used to assess individuals at risk for dysphagia. Additionally, they also completed a self-report questionnaire addressing age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Result: Using the Malayalam version of the EAT-10, the present study identified the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in 9.9% of community-dwelling older adults. Among the EAT-10 symptoms, cough while/after swallowing, difficulty swallowing solids and difficulty swallowing liquids were the most prevalent symptoms reported by participants. Increase in age and age-related comorbidities such as tooth loss, history of heart failure and digestive diseases were found to be significantly associated with the reporting of risk for dysphagia symptoms.

Conclusion: As dysphagia symptoms significantly impact the social, psychological and QOL of community-dwelling older adults, it is important to develop awareness about these symptoms among older adults, caretakers and physicians. Early detection and appropriate management of community-dwelling older adults at risk for dysphagia can contribute to better health outcomes and improved QOL.

Keywords: Age-related factors; Ageing; Community-dwelling older adults; Dysphagia; Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10); Presbyphagia; Prevalence; Quality of life; Swallowing.