Factors related to dysphagia-specific quality of life in aged patients with neurologic disorders: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze dysphagia-specific quality of life and its influencing factors in aged patients with neurologic disorders, and is reported according to the STROBE checklist for observational research. The study included 120 outpatients, aged ≥65 years, diagnosed with neurologic diseases at a general hospital Neurology Department in Seoul, Korea. Data collected during a one-month (March and April 2021) questionnaire survey were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Factors related to dysphagia-specific quality of life were gender, education level, neurological diagnosis, type of diet, subjective swallowing disturbance, and affectionate support—a subscale of social support. The combined explanatory power of these factors was 42.1%. It is essential to note that the factors related to the emotional, functional, and physical domains–the subscales of dysphagia-specific quality of life–are different. Therefore, each factor should be considered when planning nursing interventions to improve dysphagia-specific quality of life.