Prevalence and Biological Correlates of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Outpatients of a Geriatric Evaluation Clinic: A Brief Report

Abstract Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a relevant disease among older adults and is associated with serious adverse health-related outcomes, such as malnutrition, sarcopenia, or frailty. Increasing its recognition and the related mechanisms will allow us to its prevention and treatment at different levels of care. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and biological correlates of OD in outpatient older adults. Method: This is a cross-sectional study including 100 adults aged 60 or older from a geriatric clinic of a tertiary hospital in Mexico City. Health variables and geriatric syndromes were recorded. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 detection test and the volume-viscosity swallowing test were used to diagnose OD. Logistic regression models were performed to identify the factors associated with OD. Results: Mean age was 81.2 (±7.5) years and 21% had OD. The presence of xerostomia (p = 0.05) and a worst nutritional status (p = 0.035) were obtained. Conclusions: The prevalence of OD among older adults was high. Inadequate nutrition status and the presence of xerostomia are more likely to be present with this swallowing disorder.