A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY AND PILL DYSPHAGIA AMONG OLDER PEOPLE RESIDING IN NURSING HOMES IN KUALA LUMPUR AND SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
• Main Author: Azlan S.; Maniam P.; Meilina R.; Jamal J.A.; Wahab M.S.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85204703002&partnerID=40&md5=0eb377825123325697bf07289742f0e3

Swallowing difficulty is common among older people (OP). This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors of swallowing difficulty among OP in nursing homes; investigate the prevalence of pill dysphagia; and examine the association between swallowing difficulty and pill dysphagia. This study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted from June 20th to August 8th, 2022, in nursing homes in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. Swallowing difficulty was identified using the Standardised Swallowing Assessment (SSA). The PILL-5 questionnaire was used to determine 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. Only 4.2% (4/96) of the participants were identified with pill dysphagia. Notably, 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. The present study showed that swallowing difficulty is 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. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, increased awareness among healthcare providers, and the integration of patient-centered approaches to optimise care of OP with swallowing difficulty and pill dysphagia. © (2024), (Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association). All Rights Reserved.