Study on Diet in Dysphagic Patients at Home

Abstract

A survey was conducted on the diets of 35 dysphagic patients staying at home in comparison with the diets of healthy subjects. The following results were obtained: 1) The number of meals per day in two groups was not significantly different; 2) The duration of meals was significantly longer in the dysphagic group than in the control group ; 3) Although intake of many staple foods, main dishes, and secondary dishes was significantly lower in the dysphagic group than in the control group, there were no significant differences with respect to the intake of many desserts, beverages, and confectioneries between the groups ; 4) The dysphagic patients tended to consume foods that were easy to eat, and their favorite foods ; 5) The degree of satisfaction with dietary life was significantly lower in the dysphagic group than in the control group. In addition, body weight loss was noted in 82.9% in the dysphagic group, as compared with that before the onset of their diseases. Based on these findings, the management system for dysphagic patients staying at home was discussed.