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Dysphagia
Published in: Dysphagia 3/2021

01-06-2021 | Stroke | Original Article

Prevalence of Dysphagia in China: An Epidemiological Survey of 5943 Participants

Authors: Mengqing Zhang, Chao Li, Fang Zhang, Xiaoxiao Han, Qinglu Yang, Tuo Lin, Huichang Zhou, Min Tang, Jungui Zhou, Hongling Shi, Yanping Hui, Mingfeng Xiong, Ling Pang, Baolan Wang, Zhen Feng, Zhanfei Li, Changbing Cao, Xiao Lu, Yuanyuan Ding, Shukun Shen, Zhengyue Xu, Fan Yu, Chen Chen, Ling Meng, Guiqing Liao, Jinxin Zhang, Ayodele Sasegbon, Zulin Dou

Published in: Dysphagia | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of dysphagia among an older population and patients with stroke, head and neck cancers (HNCs) or neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) in China, to identify the factors associated with this condition, and to explore the relationship between dysphagia and nutritional status.

Methods

This study included participants 65 years and older living in the community or in nursing homes and patients who had sustained a stroke, HNC, or NDD also recruited in hospitals from 14 provinces of China. The presence of dysphagia was determined by use of a questionnaire, water swallowing test, and/or a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the possible associated risk factors. Body mass index was assessed as an indicator of malnutrition.

Results

A total of 5943 persons met the inclusion criteria and 2341 (39.4%) were identified with dysphagia, including the following: 51.14% of patients with stroke, 34.4% in HNCs, 48.3% in NDDs, and 19.2% of otherwise healthy older adults. The elderly with comorbidity (OR = 2.90, p < 0.01) and stroke patients (OR = 2.27, p < 0.01) were significantly more likely to exhibit signs of dysphagia. Dysphagic participants were at significantly greater risk of malnutrition (OR = 1.91, p < 0.01) compared to those without dysphagia.

Conclusion

Dysphagia is prevalent in China among older individuals and people who have suffered a stroke, HNCs, or NDDs. The prevalence of dysphagia increases steadily with increasing age and presence of comorbid disease. People with dysphagia are more likely to suffer from malnutrition.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence of Dysphagia in China: An Epidemiological Survey of 5943 Participants
Authors
Mengqing Zhang
Chao Li
Fang Zhang
Xiaoxiao Han
Qinglu Yang
Tuo Lin
Huichang Zhou
Min Tang
Jungui Zhou
Hongling Shi
Yanping Hui
Mingfeng Xiong
Ling Pang
Baolan Wang
Zhen Feng
Zhanfei Li
Changbing Cao
Xiao Lu
Yuanyuan Ding
Shukun Shen
Zhengyue Xu
Fan Yu
Chen Chen
Ling Meng
Guiqing Liao
Jinxin Zhang
Ayodele Sasegbon
Zulin Dou
Publication date
01-06-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Dysphagia / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0179-051X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0460
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-020-10138-7

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