• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.261-268
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• 2023

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine the dysphagia knowledge, preventive attitudes toward dysphagia, and educational needs concerning geriatric oral health, of dental hygienists, and to provide fundamental information for recognizing the necessity of knowledge and education concerning geriatric oral health and for increasing educational needs. Methods: From April 1 to June 30, 2022, a questionnaire survey was administered to 198 dental hygienists via an online link. SPSS Statistics ver. 22.0 was used to conduct the frequency analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Regarding the difference in knowledge of dysphagia depending on general characteristics, the study participants had more knowledge of dysphagia when they were more interested in dysphagia and had a higher geriatric treatment frequency. The preventive attitudes toward dysphagia were strong in those who graduated from graduate school or higher, had more prevention and education at work, became more interested in dysphagia, received more education about dysphagia, had intention to receive additional education on dysphagia, and had a higher geriatric treatment frequency. Positive correlations were observed between knowledge of dysphagia, preventive attitudes toward dysphagia, and educational needs related to geriatric oral health. The educational needs related to geriatric oral health were found to be, significantly and positively influenced by preventive attitudes toward dysphagia, having master's degree or higher, knowledge of dysphagia, and intention to receive additional education on dysphagia. Conclusions: It is necessary to improve the quality of oral health services offered to older patients by having accurate knowledge of dysphagia implementing appropriate prevention practices for dysphagia, and understanding the educational content needed by the oral hygienists and developing an effective education program to enhance their professionalism.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.19-32
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• 2023

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the educational status, knowledge, awareness, and readiness for dysphagia therapy among university occupational therapy students. Methods : One hundred and five online questionnaires completed by senior-year students at an occupational therapy university were analyzed. The questionnaire assessed the educational status, knowledge, awareness, and readiness for dysphagia therapy. Descriptive statistics and differences between those with and without practical experience were analyzed. The relationships among educational status, knowledge, and readiness were analyzed. Results : Independent opening of the dysphagia therapy class (69.5%) and experience in dysphagia practice were high (79.0%). Dysphagia education and knowledge in university and practice were moderate and item scores were higher for university education. Knowledge of adult dysphagia therapy was higher than that of pediatric dysphagia therapy. Scores on awareness, knowledge, and readiness for dysphagia therapy were significantly higher among students with practical experience. Conclusion : Education and knowledge of dysphagia therapy were moderate. Knowledge and readiness in adults are higher than in children. Systematic dysphagia therapy education in university and associated practices are needed to enhance the specialty of dysphagia therapy.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the awareness and experience of community-based dysphagia therapy and related education in community-dwelling older adults. Methods : A total of 89 older adults were recruited from a public health center in Gyeonggi-do. Awareness, experience, and related education regarding community-based dysphagia therapy were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results : We analyzed 89 questionnaires. Awareness, treatment experience, and education regarding dysphagia were low; however, the importance and intention to participate were high. Respondents wanted education about proper chewing and safe swallowing, oral health, oral motor exercise, and participation in community-based dysphagia programs in public health centers. The reason for the lack of experience in dysphagia education and therapy is insufficient information and opportunities. The respondents had a good understanding of dysphagia symptoms. Conclusion : Dysphagia therapy maintains swallowing and eating functions as a life-long Activity of Daily Living, and is a very important area in community rehabilitation. Based on the results of this survey, the necessity and importance of community-based dysphagia were identified. It is time to provide correct information and develop a systematic education program for community-based dysphagia therapy. Occupational therapists need to play an active role in improving quality of life by early detection and providing proper intervention.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.43-51
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to survey Speech-Language Pathologists' perception on evaluation and treatment of "swallowing disorders". An online questionnaire was sent to the 279 subjects attending undergraduate/graduate programs in speech therapy department and/or SLPs who work in various settings. The survey consisted of three parts: 1) background information and educational/clinical experiences that are associated with dysphagia (swallowing disorder), 2) the current state of diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia of clinical practice (certified SLPs only), 3) the recognition of diagnosis, treatment, education for dysphagia. Each item of the survey was scaled by the participants on a five-point Likert scale of 1 to 5 (1 being not at all and 5 being extremely) or self-reported answers. The results of the survey showed that SLPs have high interest in "swallowing disorder", but most of them regarded them very difficult to diagnose and treat. The reason is that they have not been trained as a swallowing specialist. Therefore it is necessary to provide more opportunities for education and practice to establish the expertise of SLPs.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.406-414
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine dysphagia risk among community-dwelling elderly people living at home. We also examined the impact of socio-demographic variables on dysphagia risk as well as the relationship between dysphagia risk and dietary characteristics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study sample included 568 community-dwelling individuals, aged 65 years and above, who were living independently in their own home in Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Gwangju in South Korea. We used a dysphagia risk assessment scale to screen for dysphagia risk and the Mini nutritional assessment to evaluate the nutritional status. Associations between dysphagia risk and other variables were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 568 subjects, 350 (61.6%) were classified into the dysphagia risk group (DR) and 218 (38.4%) were classified into the normal group (non-DR). Being female (odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28-2.59), being 75 years and older (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.69-3.42), having a lower education level (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.33-3.97), and having a lower perceived economic status (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.32-3.60) were more frequently observed with dysphagia risk compared to those who did not have such characteristics. Lowered mastication ability (OR = 14.40, 95% CI = 4.43-46.95), being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.75-4.23), lowered appetite (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 2.16-4.93), and decreased food intake (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.83-4.78) were observed more frequently in the DR group than in the non-DR group when adjusting for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop and apply integrated programs to improve the dietary habits and nutritional status of elderly individuals at risk for dysphagia, especially for women aged 75 years or older with lower educational and economic levels.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.377-384
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• 2019

This study was intended to understand the status of dysphagia related knowledge, attitude and nursing performance of nursing staff's in geriatric hospitals, to confirm the correlation among these, and to provide basic resources for dysphagia nursing intervention programs. The 220 subjects were nursing staff's who worked in geriatric hospitals located in G city and N city. For data analysis, The descriptive statistic was used to analyze the subjects' general characteristics, and dysphagia related characteristics, knowledge, attitude and nursing performance degree. For the differences of dysphagia related knowledge, attitude and nursing performance according to the subjects' general characteristics, t-test and ANOVA were used. The correlation of the subjects' knowledge, attitude and nursing performance degree was analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient. The score of the subjects' dysphagia related knowledge was average 14.07±2.94, the subjects' dysphagia related attitude was average 3.59±0.39, the subjects' dysphagia nursing performance was 3.10±0.43. dysphagia nursing performance had a significantly positive correlation with dysphagia related knowledge(r=0.295, p=.000) and dysphagia related attitude(r=0.392, p=.000). The above result of the study indicated positive attitude based on accurate knowledge is needed for nursing staff's in geriatric hospitals to improve nursing performance for dysphagia. When education programs for dysphagia are planned in geriatric hospitals, it is necessary to consider knowledge level and attitude simultaneously.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.445-454
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• 2018

Purpose: Changes in eating habits and malnutrition due to dysphagia are important health problems for older adults. This study investigated the effects of an educational program aimed at improving diet quality in community-dwelling older adults at risk for dysphagia in South Korea. Methods: We assessed 27 individuals in the experimental group and 26 individuals in the control group between September and October 2015. All participants were aged 65 years or older and were at risk for dysphagia. A combined diet and exercise program was applied to the experimental group (n = 27) for six weeks. We examined changes in participants' eating habits and their knowledge and attitudes concerning dysphagia risk. The nutrition intake of all participants was measured before and after the intervention using 24-hr dietary recall. Results: There was a significant increase in knowledge of dysphagia risk in the experimental group, with scores increasing from 3.7 to 7.1, out of 10 points (p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in eating habits after the intervention in the experimental group, with scores increasing from 21.9 to 28.3, out of 36 points (p < 0.001). The attitude score of participants in the experimental group increased significantly, from 15.2 to 16.7, out of 20 points (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Developing educational programs can help older adults living in the community lead a healthier lifestyle and improve their ability to manage their diet.

• Oral Biology Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.208-215
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk of dysphagia among patients that visited prosthodontics department, and evaluate the difference in risks arising from oral conditions and disease in order to preliminarily intervene the various influencing factors of dysphagia. A questionnaire was given to patients that were aged 65 years or older who visited the prosthodontics department between September to December 2017. The data was collected and analyzed using the t-test, $x^2-test$ and logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the patients was 75 years. Out of 300 patients, 206 patients (68.7%) had a risk of dysphagia. There were statistically significant differences between the -non-risk and risk groups, which included the number of natural teeth, total number of teeth including prosthesis, denture use, denture discomfort, number of tooth brushing, oral dryness, digestive system diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases. Among these, oral dryness was a risk factor while the total number of teeth, including natural teeth and prostheses, served as a protective factor. More than half of the elderly patients were at risk of dysphagia. Oral dryness is influenced by many factors and it should continuously be managed. Patients should fully recover their masticatory function by preserving the remaining teeth and compensating for the missing teeth. A dental practitioner should be fully aware of the risk of dysphagia in elderly patients and be able to intervene and offer proper patient health care in advance through treatment guidelines and education.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2022

A survey was conducted to investigate the conditions of meal management and the use of thickening agents for dysphagia in long-term institutions and welfare centers in Korea. The online questionnaire for the survey comprised six questions on the general characteristics of subjects, 16 on meal management, 10 on dietitians' knowledge, and 30 on dietitians' perceived performance and importance of meal management for dysphagia. The complete data from 268 questionnaires were analyzed, and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was conducted. The results of the survey indicated frequent, "difficulties due to no specific guidance on managing dysphagia meal," "lack of caregiver understanding of the importance of dysphagia meal," "lack of opportunity and time for meal education/counseling," "difficulties with management due to dietitians' lack of experience and awareness of dysphagia," and "limited understanding of cooking staff in preparing dysphagia meal." Importantly, these five parts were categorized in the low-priority region in an IPA of the performance.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.304-313
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• 2015

Purpose: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is the major complication of dysphagia in patients with acute stroke. Nursing management for dysphagia influences on patients' health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the effects of Dysphagia Nursing Protocol (DNP) for patients with acute stroke. We aimed to examine the incidence of AP and the dependency rate at the discharge. Methods: We used a non-equivalent control group posttest only design in this study. DNP was developed with content validity index > 0.75 in all items. This protocol was composed of the evaluation, education, complication prevention, and checking phases. After training the staff nurses, we applied DNP protocol to the experimental group. The control group was enrolled from June to August 2013 (n=80), and the experimental group was June to August 2014 (n=64). Results: The incidence of AP was 16.3% in control group while 4.7% in experimental group (p=.028), and the Odds Ratio (OR) was 0.26 (p=.045). The dependency ratio was 66.3% in control group while 43.8% in experimental group (p=.011), and the OR was 0.33 (p=.011). Conclusion: DNP was beneficial for the reducing the risk of AP and the improved the functional status.