Quality of life of elderly with dysphagia and neurological disorders - Payesh (Health Monitor)
Fri, Aug 8, 2025
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1- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
2- Elderly Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing& Midwifery, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
3- Proteomics Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:   (106 Views)
Objective(s): Aging is associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, including swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and neurological conditions, which can significantly impact the quality of life in the elderly. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life in elderly individuals suffering from dysphagia and neurological disorders and to identify related factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample 128 elderly patients with dysphagia and neurological disorders who visited neurology clinics affiliated with medical universities in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The samples were selected using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected using the Persian versions of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (independent t-test, analysis of variance, multivariate linear and logistic regression) in SPSS version 16.
Results: The results showed that the mean score of severity of swallowing disorder in the oral phase was 5. 23 (SD =1. 5), and in the pharyngeal phase was 10. 20 (SD =2. 16), which indicated the weak severity of swallowing disorder in the elderly with nervous disorders. The average score of the quality of life was 66. 44 (SD = 10. 53) out of 100. There was a significant relationship between age and oral disorder (P=0. 021). Moreover, the prevalence of dysphagia in individuals over 80 years old was significantly higher than in other age groups (3.6 times more in the oral phase and 2.9 times more in the pharyngeal phase).
Conclusion: Dysphagia in elderly patients with neurological disorders is significantly associated with a decline in quality of life. These findings highlight the need for regular screening for swallowing disorders and the implementation of care and rehabilitation interventions to prevent complications such as malnutrition, aspiration, and reduced functional independence.
Full-Text [PDF 996 kb]   (102 Downloads)    
type of study: Descriptive | Subject: Health Metrics
Received: 2024/06/12 | Accepted: 2024/11/17 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/08/5

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