A Descriptive Retrospective Review on the Epidemiology of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in the Acute Care Facility of a Kenyan (Level-Six) National Hospital
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Date
2023-12
Authors
Ndiema, Dalphine C.
Abuom T.
Karia, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS)
Abstract
Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) exposes patients to several health conditions and complications. This study assessed OPD presentation in the acute care facility (ACF) of a national hospital in Kenya. The objectives were to establish the demographic characteristics of adult inpatients diagnosed with OPD, determine their OPD-related comorbidities, and identify OPD traits for bedside swallowing safety in ACF. Archival records of 36 initial speech-language therapy (SLT) consultations diagnosed with OPD were reviewed. Data from these purposive records were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, Fisher’s exact test, and the independent samples t-test. There was an equal OPD presentation between female and male participants. Their mean age was 61.25 years (SD = 21.256), with 64.3% (n = 18) at least 60 years old. On average, female participants (M = 72.3, SD = 16.43) were significantly older than their male peers (M = 72.3, SD = 16.43) (t = 3.25, p = .003). The majority (88.9%, n = 32) had at least one comorbid condition. Fisher’s exact test showed that the number of comorbid conditions was independent of gender or age (p > .05). The majority (94.4%, n = 34) had at least one bedside swallowing safety trait. From the findings, it can be concluded that OPD presentation in the facility is highest among senior adults and is associated with multiple comorbid conditions. The management should encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to OPD management to ensure optimal care for OPD patients in the ACF.
Description
Article
Keywords
acute care facility, comorbidity, bedside swallowing safety, oropharyngeal dysphagia
Citation
Ndiema Dalphine, C., Abuom, T., & Karia, M. A Descriptive Retrospective Review On The Epidemiology Of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia In The Acute-Care Facility Of A Kenyan (Level-Six) National Hospital.