Abstract
We examined the relationship between swallowing function and health-related QOL (quality of life) among frail elderly persons. The subjects were 64 frail elderly persons residing in northern Miyazaki prefecture. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a field survey. We obtained data on age, gender, ADLs (activities of daily living), cognitive function, health-related QOL, and swallowing function. We used the SF-8 to measure health-related QOL, and the DRACE (Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly) and the WST (Water Swallowing Test) to evaluate swallowing function. The average score on the DRACE was 3.22±3.66. In the WST, 29 subjects (45.3%) "could drink water without immediately choking.” Seventeen subjects (26.6%) had risks associated with swallowing. Furthermore, swallowing risk was related to the PF (physical functioning), BP (bodily pain), GH (general health), VT (vitality), SF (social functioning), and MH (mental health) subscales of the SF-8. Our results suggest that the swallowing function among frail elderly persons is significantly related to the health-related QOL.
