Factors Influencing SWAL-QOL (Swallowing-Quality of Life) of Elders

Abstract

Purpose According to a survey of older people in 2014, 54.6% of survey participants reported feeling uncomfortable in their daily life because of swallowing disorders. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence swallowing quality of life in community dwelling elders. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 150 community dwelling older people. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires consisting of the MMSE-K(Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean), GDSSF-K (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version), Life Stress, and SWAL-QOL (Swallowing-Quality of Life). For data analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression were performed using SPSS/WIN 21.0 for Windows. Results There was a significant correlation between swallowing quality of life and mental state (r=.27, p=.001), depression (r=-.47, p<.001) and life stress (r=-.60, p<.001). The factors influencing swallowing quality of life were having experienced aspiration (β=.29, p<.001), and life stress (β=-.38, p<.001). These variables explained 43.0% of swallowing quality of life. Conclusion The findings indicate that the experiencing aspiration and life stress are variables that influence swallowing quality of life. Based on these results, nurses should educate older people about chronic disease management and eating habits to prevent aspiration. 주요어: 인지기능, 우울, 생활 ìŠ¤íŠ¸ë ˆìŠ¤, 삼킴 곤란, 삶의 질 Key Words: Cognition, Depression, Psychological stress, Deglutition disorders, Quality of life