[Relationship between health-related quality of life and swallowing function in community-dwelling independent older adults].

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health-related quality of life (QOL) and swallowing function among independent community-dwelling older Japanese adults aged 65 years or older.

Methods: A total of 500 participants (250 males and 250 females) were surveyed about BMI, dysphagia and eating disorders (Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly [DRACE]), quality of life (QOL; SF-8 Physical and Mental Summary Score), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Japanese version [PSQI-J]), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]).

Results: Participants were divided into two groups based on risk of aspiration and data between the groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the SF-8 physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) were associated with aspiration risk. In the multiple regression analysis, the SF-8 related to eating and swallowing function and PSQI-J were extracted.

Conclusions: The risk of aspiration among the older adults in this study was found to be associated with health-related QOL, sleep quality, revealing a wide-ranging impact on physical, mental, and social functioning. These associated factors may pose a risk for community-dwelling independent older adults, suggesting the need to focus on eating and swallowing function for frailty.