Determining the Social Determinants of Health That Influence Self-Reported Dysphagia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Dysphagia prevalence is rising, disproportionately affecting certain populations.
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) significantly influence healthcare access and outcomes.
• Older adults face unique challenges related to health and socioeconomic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SDOH and self-reported dysphagia in US adults aged 65 and older.
• To identify specific SDOH factors contributing to dysphagia risk in the elderly population.
• To inform targeted interventions for vulnerable older adults experiencing swallowing difficulties.

Main Methods:

• Utilized secondary cross-sectional data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
• Analyzed health information from over 35,000 individuals across the United States.
• Employed stepwise logistic regression and backward elimination analyses to model SDOH influences on dysphagia.

Main Results:

• Unemployment (due to disability/retirement), food insecurity, and renting housing were associated with increased odds of self-reported dysphagia.
• Older adults identifying as Black/African American or Asian reported lower odds of dysphagia.
• Employment status and race emerged as significant predictors across statistical and theory-driven models.

Conclusions:

• SDOH play a critical role in the prevalence of dysphagia among older adults.
• Identifying at-risk populations based on SDOH is crucial for effective dysphagia screening and care.
• Further research is warranted to understand and address SDOH-related disparities in dysphagia management.