Disparities in the prevalence of self-reported dysphagia and treatment among U.S. adults.

OBJECTIVE

To assess sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of self-reported dysphagia and treatment and to identify barriers in access to care.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

National healthcare survey database.

METHODS

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was used to analyze adults who reported a swallowing problem in the prior 12 months. Associations of sociodemographic variables with dysphagia prevalence and treatment as well as access to care were determined by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 235 million adults in the United States, 9.4 ± 0.3 million (4.0 % ± 0.1 %) adults (mean age 52.1 ± 0.6 years; 60.2 % female) reported swallowing problems, only 19.2 % ± 2.0 % of whom reported receiving treatment or therapy for their swallowing problem. In a multivariate model controlling for sociodemographic factors, female gender, older age, lower income level, public insurance status and unemployment were independently associated with increased odds of reporting dysphagia, while also associated with decreased odds of receiving treatment. Conversely, Black, Hispanic and other racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to report swallowing problems, but among those who did report dysphagia, non-white adults were more likely to receive treatment. Barriers leading to delayed care for women, low-income adults and adults with public or no health insurance included cost, not being able to get an appointment soon enough, limited office hours, inability to get through to an office by phone, lack of transportation, and long office wait times.

CONCLUSION

Sociodemographic groups at higher risk for dysphagia are less likely to receive treatment. Targeted interventions are needed to address barriers to care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.