A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY AND PILL DYSPHAGIA AMONG OLDER PEOPLE RESIDING IN NURSING HOMES IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.24/no.2/art.2502Keywords:
Dysphagia, older people, nursing home, swallowing difficulty, pill dysphagiaAbstract
Swallowing difficulty is prevalent among older people (OP). This study aims to identify the prevalence of swallowing difficulty and pill dysphagia among OP residing in nursing homes. It also aims to identify the factors associated with swallowing difficulty and explore the association between swallowing difficulty and pill dysphagia. The present study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted from June 20th to August 8th, 2022, in nursing homes in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Swallowing difficulty among eligible nursing home residents was identified using the Standardised Swallowing Assessment (SSA). The PILL-5 questionnaire was used to identify any indications of pill dysphagia. A total of 96 participants were recruited for the study. Of these, 50% were identified with swallowing difficulty. The use of medications with anticholinergic (AC) properties and an anticholinergic burden (ACB) score of ? 3 were significantly associated with swallowing difficulty. Approximately 11.5% (11/96) of all participants reported pills sticking in their throat, while a small minority (4.2%, 4/96) had a fear of swallowing pills. Additionally, 7.3% (7/96) mentioned the need to crush or coat their medication or use other forms of assistance to take their pills. Swallowing difficulties are common among OP residing in nursing homes, as well as being associated with the use of AC drugs and higher ACB scores. Some participants reported occasional problems with swallowing pills. These issues included pills getting stuck in the throat and the need for assistance and modifications in dosage forms.
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