Awareness and Quality of life Among Geriatric Patients with Dysphagia at Sohag University Hospital

Background: Dysphagia is a health condition that causes impairment of eating and drinking functions in geriatric patients affecting on their quality of life. Aim of the study: To assess awareness and quality of life among geriatric patients with dysphagia. Design of the study: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at gastroenterology and neurologic outpatient clinics at Sohag University hospital. Sample: The sample composed of 220 geriatric patients. Tools: three tools were used: tool (I): demographic data of geriatric patients and their health history of elderly patients. Tool (II): Dysphagia Awareness Assessment questionnaire. Tool (III): Swallowing quality of life questionnaire. Result: Mean age of studied sample was 73.59 ± 7.41, 51 % were female., (40,0 %) had poor knowledge, (76.8%) had positive attitude and SWAL-QoL score mean was 54.68 ± 5.31. Conclusion: Most of geriatric patients had limited knowledge about dysphagia, positive attitude and moderate score quality of life. Recommendation: Implementing an educational program for geriatric patients with dysphagia to improve their awareness and quality of life.