Dysphagia and its impact on the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients: institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective Impaired swallowing is a primary medical concern in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Swallowing therapy and supportive care to relieve swallowing problems among HNC patients are recommended. However, no data shows the effect of dysphagia on the quality of life (QoL) among Ethiopian patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess swallowing function and its impact on QoL. Results The sample included 102 HNC patients who visited oncology clinics at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Majority were male (53.90%), employed (70.6%), single (57.80%), and completed some level of formal education (66.60%) with a mean age of 42.58 years (SD ± 14.08). More than half of the patients (69.6%) medical expenses were covered by the government. Most were suffering from advanced stage HNC (59.80%), squamous cell carcinoma (62.70%), and the most prevalent tumor location was nasopharynx (40.20%). The mean MDADI score was 53.29 (SD ± 15.85). Being female, low income, suffering from laryngeal cancer, advanced tumor, and undergoing a single modality therapy were crucial determinants of poor QoL related to swallowing problems. It is recommended to assess swallowing related QoL of patients using a validated tool and be included in treatment protocols.

Improving compliance with swallowing exercise to decrease radiotherapy-related dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer

“… 4 , 6 Moreover, patients with dysphagia tend to avoid attending social activities and to have psychological disorders (such as depression and cognitive impairment). 7 Moreover, the patients’ lives can be threatened if dysphagia-associated aspiration pneumonia develops. 8 …”

Changes in oral function, swallowing function, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective cohort study

“…The tumor stage is reportedly associated with the patient’s QOL after treatment [ 18 ]. The treatment of early-stage HNC might have small effects on a patient’s QOL [ 18 , 19 ]. However, some patients complain of discomfort in the oral function a year after completing HNC treatment.…”

Study on dysphagia from 2012 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace

“…Dysphagia is a widely prevalent disorder in society, with a significant influence on individuals, families, and paramedics (7). Studies (8)(9)(10) suggest that dysphagia adversely affects a patient's quality of life. Psychological research highlights that swallowing disorders impart psychological burdens to patients causing anxiety and depression and increasing their visceral sensitivity (11).…”