Characteristics of Non-intubated Older Adult Patients With COVID-19 and Decreased Feeding and Swallowing Function and Their Association With Length of Hospital Stay

Background With the increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among older adults, the incidence of COVID-19-related dysphagia is presumed to be rising. However, reports focusing on dysphagia in non-intubated older adults with COVID-19 are rare. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of non-intubated older adults with COVID-19 who experienced a decline in feeding and swallowing function, as assessed by the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and examine the impact of post-COVID-19 swallowing dysfunction on the length of hospital stay. Methodology This retrospective study included 95 non-intubated older adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between May 2020 and May 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of decreased feeding and swallowing function after the termination of isolation, as evaluated by FOIS. Intergroup comparisons were performed, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between impaired swallowing function at the end of isolation and the length of hospital stay. Results Swallowing function was impaired in 20 (21.0%) patients at the end of the isolation period. Patients with decreased feeding and swallowing function were more likely to be older, institutionalized, have higher care dependency levels, suffer from malnutrition, and have a history of dementia or neurological disease. Multiple regression analysis revealed that post-isolation swallowing dysfunction was independently associated with a longer hospital stay. Conclusions Older adults requiring nursing care are at a higher risk of experiencing a decline in feeding and swallowing function following a COVID-19 diagnosis, which may contribute to prolonged hospitalization.