Risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in elderly patients are mainly central nervous system (CNS) and structural organic diseases or presbyphagia. We analysed the OD prevalence and association of OD with multimorbidity and polypharmacy using real-life data to complete this spectrum, with a focus on further and iatrogenic risk. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study based on a random sample of 200 patients admitted to a geriatric hospital. Data analysis included diagnoses, the detailed list of drugs, and an intense clinical investigation of swallowing according to Stanschus to screen for OD in each patient. The mean patient age was 84 ± 6.5 years. The prevalence of OD was 29.0%, without an effect of age, but a higher rate was found in men and in nursing home residents and an elevated risk of pneumonia. OD risk was slight in diabetes mellitus and COPD, and pronounced in CNS diseases. A relevant OD association was found, even after adjusting for CNS diseases, with antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, anti-Parkinson drugs, antidepressants, and antiepileptics. Further risk of OD was found with beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, opioids, antiemetics, antivertiginosa or antihistamines, metoclopramide, domperidone, anticholinergics, loop diuretics, urologics, and ophthalmics. From real-life data in patients with and without CNS diseases, we identified drug groups associated with a risk of aggravating/inducing OD. Restrictive indications for these drugs may be a preventative contribution, requiring implementation in dysphagia guidelines and an integrative dysphagia risk scale that considers all associated and cumulative medication risks in addition to diseases.

Self-esteem is not typically associated with the nursing profession. However, the concept is indispensible for job satisfaction and good-quality patient care. Many healthcare systems are confronted with declining numbers of qualified nurses, and desperately seek suitable strategies to recruit and retain sufficient trainees and junior staff. This investigation examined self-esteem in 212 German nurses using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Nurses with an academic degree displayed a statistically significant higher level of self-esteem than nurses without academic education (P < 0.01). The type of professional training may therefore have a direct effect on the self-esteem, thus offering a myriad of potential benefits to both nurses and patients. Self-esteem is a quality relevant to this profession and, as such, the findings of research in this area should be reflected in the design of nurse training curricula.

Objective:Early detection of limited physical activity and nutritional deficiencies in cancer survivors could contribute to early treatment and preservation of quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the association of physical condition and nutritional status with fatigue and quality of life in oncological out-patients.Methods:Data in this descriptive study was collected on bioelectrical impedance analysis, postural stability (stability index), body mass index, Karnofsky Index, quality of life (Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey) and fatigue (multidimensional fatigue inventory-20) in a consecutive sample of 203 oncological out-patients. Phase angle was calculated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Values were intercorrelated and compared to appropriate standard values.Results:Phase angle and stability index outcomes were far below the values of a healthy population of similar age (p < 0.001). Quality of life was significantly lower than in the normal population (p < 0.001), and the level of fatigue was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Phase angle correlated with Karnofsky Index (p = 0.002) and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey Summary physical function (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multidimensional fatigue inventory-20 scales ‘physical fatigue’ and ‘reduced activity’ were significantly associated with phase angle (p = 0.04, p = 0.005). Stability indices correlated with Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey physical function.Conclusion:The physical condition and the nutritional status are key components determining the individual quality of life of oncological out-patients. These variables also showed an association with the manifestation of fatigue. Results highlight the need for interdisciplinary cooperation to detect physical, nutritional and psychological deficiencies in oncological out-patients.