[Subjective swallowing function and oral-related quality of life among in community-dwelling older adults]

Objectives　Swallowing function and oral-related quality of life (QOL) are important factors for maintaining general health. However, few studies have investigated the association between both factors among community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study examined subjective swallowing function and oral-related QOL among community-dwelling older adults.Methods　A questionnaire survey was conducted by mail in January 2022 among men and women in 47 Japanese prefectures. This study included 552 men and women aged ≥ 65 years with no missing data (93.7% response rate). Information regarding sex, age, oral-related QOL, swallowing function, number of teeth, and history of diabetes were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Oral-related QOL and swallowing function was assessed using the Japanese version of the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Dysphagia Risk Assessment for Community-dwelling Elderly (DRACE), respectively.Results　Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between subjective swallowing function and oral-related QOL. The dependent variable was whether the GOHAI was ＜ or ＞ 52.5, the GOHAI national reference value, independent variable was whether the DRACE score was ＞ or ＜ 4, and covariates were sex, age, and current number of teeth.Logistic regression analysis revealed that older adults with impaired subjective swallowing function were more likely to have a GOHAI score ＜ 52.5 (odds ratio ＝ 4.9, 95% confidence interval ＝ 3.1-7.5). After adjusting for covariates, the group with impaired subjective swallowing function was significantly more likely to have GOHAI scores ＜ 52.5.Conclusion　The study results indicate a significant positive association between oral-related QOL and subjective swallowing function. This association was stronger among women, adults aged ≥ 75 years, those with ≥ 20 teeth, and those with a history of diabetes mellitus.