Dataset Information

A simplified method for evaluating swallowing ability and estimating malnutrition risk: A pilot study in older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this pilot study was to develop a Thai-version of a simple swallowing questionnaire, called the T-SSQ, and to evaluate the association between malnutrition risk and swallowing ability, determined objectively by tongue strength and subjectively by the T-SSQ. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine which swallowing indices better estimate malnutrition in older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised two phases: Phase I, development and cross-cultural translation of the T-SSQ; and Phase II, application of the T-SSQ in 60 older adults. In Phase I, content and face validity of the T-SSQ was evaluated by 10 experts and 15 older adults. In Phase II, the convergent validity of the T-SSQ was evaluated by determining its association with objective tongue strength. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Thai-version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, and oral and health-related status. Adjusting for covariates, the associations between the two swallowing indices and malnutrition risk were determined using multivariable regression analyses. A cut-off value for low tongue strength was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and sensitivity analysis between the swallowing indices and malnutrition risk was performed.

Results

The T-SSQ comprised 4-items of common signs and symptoms of a swallowing problem. Its content and face validity were verified. Older adults were considered as having a swallowing problem when at least one item was reported. Convergent validity of the subjective index was shown by significantly different tongue strength values between the participants with and without a swallowing problem (p for independent t-test = 0.014). Based on the highest area under the ROC curve, an 18-kPa cut-off value was chosen to classify low tongue strength. Having a swallowing problem and low tongue strength was significantly associated with malnutrition risk. The positive predictive value of the subjective swallowing index was 1.8-fold higher than objective tongue strength.

Conclusions

Self-reported swallowing problems determined by the T-SSQ can be used as a subjective index for evaluating swallowing ability in older adults. Subjective swallowing problems and objective tongue strength were associated with malnutrition risk. However, the T-SSQ estimated malnutrition risk better than the objective index.

SUBMITTER: Limpuangthip N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8849596 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A simplified method for evaluating swallowing ability and estimating malnutrition risk: A pilot study in older adults.

Limpuangthip Nareudee N Komin Orapin O Tatiyapongpaiboon Teerawut T

PloS one 20220216 2

<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim of this pilot study was to develop a Thai-version of a simple swallowing questionnaire, called the T-SSQ, and to evaluate the association between malnutrition risk and swallowing ability, determined objectively by tongue strength and subjectively by the T-SSQ. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine which swallowing indices better estimate malnutrition in older adults.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study comprised two phases: Phase I, development and ...[more]

PMID: 35171950

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Dataset Information

A simplified method for evaluating swallowing ability and estimating malnutrition risk: A pilot study in older adults.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A simplified method for evaluating swallowing ability and estimating malnutrition risk: A pilot study in older adults.

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