ABSTRACT
Purpose
To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults hospitalized for orthopedic trauma fractures.
Methods
Sociodemographic data, clinical comorbidities, auto-perception of swallowing performance (Eating Assessment Tool) and identification of nutritional risk (Mini Nutritional Assessment) were collected. In order to evaluate the stomatognathic system and swallowing, the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Protocol for older people and the Volume Viscosity Swallow Test protocols were used to assess the outcome through the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS).
Results
58% individuals presented dietary consistency restrictions due to oropharyngeal dysphagia (FOIS ≤ 6). A risk for functional decrease was observed among patients 70 years or older, with worse dental conditions, global functionality decreased, neurologic disorders and self-perception of swallowing changes.
Conclusion
The study observed a prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in six out of ten individuals. Frailty, advanced age, multiple comorbidities and deficient oral conditions are risk factors that should be identified in order to prevent food aspiration.
Keywords:
Deglutition disorders; Risk factors; Aged; Fractures bone; Bone plates