Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Perceived Swallowing Difficulties Among Community-Dwelling Older People in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of self-perceived swallowing difficulties among community-dwelling older people in South Korea, as distinct from clinically diagnosed dysphagia.

METHODS

A total of 489 community-dwelling, independent older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) were assessed using the Korean version of the Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly (K-DRACE), a validated self-report questionnaire. We analysed the perceived frequency of difficulties across the three swallowing phases (oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal). Based on the cut-off score (4 points), the prevalence was calculated. Differences between the no perceived difficulties group and the perceived difficulties group according to participant characteristics were analysed using an independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-perceived swallowing difficulties among community-dwelling older people in South Korea was 40.7%. The total K-DRACE score increased with age; the oldest group (85+ years) showed the highest prevalence (57.0%) and mean score (4.91 ± 4.22). The highest mean score was observed in the oral phase. Significant differences were found according to gender, education level and residential area.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of perceived swallowing difficulties identified in this study, particularly among older adults not clinically diagnosed, underscores the critical need for community-based screening. Identifying this at-risk population through such screening is the essential first step to facilitate timely preventive interventions and ensure referral for further clinical evaluation.