[Validation of the Dutch EAT-10 for screening of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the elderly population].

Abstract

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in the elderly population >76y is estimated at 26%. OD can lead to malnutrition, depression, diminished quality of life and increased mortality in the elderly. Despite these important complications, OD is still underdiagnosed due to a lack of a reliable and easily applicable screening tool. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire consists of ten statements about symptoms and signs of OD. In the current literature, a cut-off value of ≥3 points is preferred to be considered as in risk for OD. The EAT-10 questionnaire shows good internal consistency and reliability and is validated in different languages with comparable results. The purpose of this study is to validate the EAT-10 questionnaire in Dutch. The results show a strong test-retest reliability (Spearman's rho 0.841) and an internal consistency of 0.917 via Cronbach's alpha. The Dutch EAT-10 questionnaire is well applicable in a clinical environment with a mean duration of 2 minutes and 28 seconds (± 1 minute and 32 seconds) to complete the test. Validation of the Dutch EAT-10 questionnaire makes screening of OD in the Dutch (elderly) population possible.