Swallowing function and influencing factors in hospitalized patients with mental illnesses: A cross-sectional study of 392 patients in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the swallowing function and influencing factors of hospitalized patients with mental illnesses (PMI). Methods: A total of 392 hospitalized PMI were selected for this study. Their swallowing function was evaluated using the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA). The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL). Results: Most patients (75.0%) had dementia and 332 (84.7%) were over 60 years old. The significant factors influencing the swallowing function among PMI included age, diagnosis, duration of illness, somatic comorbidities, and admission routes (P < 0.05). After subjecting these factors to linear regression analysis, it was revealed that the swallow function of PMI was strongly correlated with dementia (β = 2.405, 95% CI: 1.761–3.05, P < 0.001), ADL (moderate dependence: β =1.764, 95% CI:0.931–2.597, P < 0.001); severe dependence: β = 2.28, 95% CI:1.412–3.149, P < 0.001), somatic comorbidities (β = 1.126, 95% CI: 0.349–1.903, P = 0.005), SSRS (utilization of social support: β = 0.162, 95% CI: 0.035–0.29, P = 0.012; objective support: β = -0.181, 95% CI: –0.298 to 0.063, P = 0.003). Conclusion The swallowing function of PMI was associated with dementia, the ability to perform daily activities, somatic comorbidities, and social support. Future studies should focus on the recovery of swallowing function and somatic comorbidities, self-care ability, and multi-level social support for PMI.