Jessica Soares Xavier1, Amanda Cibelly Brito Gois2, Kenio Costa Lima2, Luiz Medeiros Araújo Lima Filho3, Juliana Fernandes Godoy4, Hipólito Virgilio Magalhães Junior1,4, Leandro Pernambuco5,6,7. 1. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. 2. Public Health Program, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil. 3. Decision and Health Models Program, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. 4. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil. 5. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. leandroapernambuco@gmail.com. 6. Decision and Health Models Program, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. leandroapernambuco@gmail.com. 7. Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa, PB, CEP: 58051-900, Brazil. leandroapernambuco@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of swallowing disorders and the associated factors in older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 73 older adults (≥ 60 years; mean age = 80 ± 7.49 years; female = 82.2%) living in five non-profit Brazilian nursing homes. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The frequency of swallowing disorders was determined by the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVS-T). Covariables with a p-value less than 0.20 according to Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis model. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: The frequency of swallowing disorders was 63%. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that the chance of an older adult living in a nursing home presenting with swallowing disorders increased by 8% with each 1-year increase in age. Decreases in oral intake level improved the chance of a negative result in the VVS-T by approximately four times, and an individual with a FOIS level below seven was almost 11 times more likely to have a swallowing disorder. CONCLUSION: The frequency of swallowing disorders in older adults living in nursing homes is high and is associated with age and oral intake. The management care team should be aware of the early detection of these conditions to prevent complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of swallowing disorders and the associated factors in older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 73 older adults (≥ 60 years; mean age = 80 ± 7.49 years; female = 82.2%) living in five non-profit Brazilian nursing homes. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The frequency of swallowing disorders was determined by the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVS-T). Covariables with a p-value less than 0.20 according to Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis model. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: The frequency of swallowing disorders was 63%. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that the chance of an older adult living in a nursing home presenting with swallowing disorders increased by 8% with each 1-year increase in age. Decreases in oral intake level improved the chance of a negative result in the VVS-T by approximately four times, and an individual with a FOIS level below seven was almost 11 times more likely to have a swallowing disorder. CONCLUSION: The frequency of swallowing disorders in older adults living in nursing homes is high and is associated with age and oral intake. The management care team should be aware of the early detection of these conditions to prevent complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia.