The impact of dysphagia on quality of life in stroke patients

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of life in stroke patients using a swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire. The correlation between SWAL-QOL questionnaire outcome and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) scores in stroke patients was also determined. This cross-sectional study was retrospectively conducted with 75 stroke patients with dysphagia symptoms. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and SWAL-QOL questionnaires were performed for all patients. These patients were divided into an oral feeding group and a tube feeding group. SWAL-QOL scores were compared between the 2 groups. The severity of dysphagia was estimated by VDS scores according to the videofluoroscopic swallowing study results. The relationships between SWAL-QOL scores and VDS scores were also investigated. The composite score was 48.82 ± 19.51 for the tube feeding group and 53.17 ± 25.42 for the oral feeding group. There were significant differences in burden and sleep subdomains of the SWAL-QOL between the 2 groups ( P = .005 and P = .012, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between the composite score of SWAL-QOL outcome and the total VDS score ( r = −0.468, P = .012). The pharyngeal-phase score of the VDS had significant negative correlations with the SWAL-QOL subdomains of burden ( r = −0.327, P = .013), mental health ( r = −0.348, P = .008), and social functioning ( r = −0.365, P = .029). To improve the quality of life of stroke patients, dysphagia rehabilitation should focus on the pharyngeal phase of dysphagia.

Intermittent tube feeding for stroke patients with dysphagia: a meta-analysis and systematic review

“…Aspiration refers to the process of swallowing, reflux, and secretions invading the airway through the pharynx and glottis and reaching the trachea below the true vocal cord (41). Aspiration in stroke patients with dysphagia is mainly caused by laryngeal insufficiency and delayed movement of the pharyngeal reflex (42). Intermittent tube feeding stimulates the oropharyngeal muscles by frequent intubation, induces the swallowing reflex, and promotes the coordinated movement of the muscles during swallowing (43).…”

Analysis of Quality of Life and Nutritional Status in Elderly Patients with Dysphagia in Order to Prevent Hospital Admissions in a COVID-19 Pandemic

“…OD also inevitably influences the quality of life of patients. Kim et al [ 54 ] studied stroke patients with OD and recorded a significant negative correlation between the quality of life (SWAL-QOL) and the degree of OD (r = −0.468, p = 0.012).…”

Differences in the quality of life of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia according to the place of residence: impact on food selection and type of diet

“…La OMS define la calidad de vida como la percepción que un individuo tiene de su lugar en la existencia y, junto con otros factores, es un concepto que se relaciona específicamente con la salud física del sujeto, su estado psicológico, su nivel de independencia, sus relaciones sociales y la relación con el entorno (18). Nuestros resultados confirman que la DO tiene alterada la QoL, como ya se confirma en diversos estudios de QoL y DO realizados en diferentes patologías (19)(20)(21)(22). Se confirma el impacto de la DO y su tratamiento en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, ya que la mayor parte de nuestra muestra refiere un impacto moderado o severo.…”