Association between oropharyngeal dysphagia and functional constipation in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Oropharyngeal dysphagia and functional constipation are common in older adults, but their relationship remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between these two issues.

A cross-sectional study among community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years was conducted from June to August 2024 in China. Participants were included using cluster random sampling, and data were collected using onsite physical examinations and questionnaires. Oropharyngeal dysphagia and functional constipation were assessed using the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test and ROME IV Criteria, respectively. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease information. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify confounding variables in the dysphagia-constipation relationship. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was performed to reduce potential bias and to investigate the net effect.

Totally, 5,581 participants were included. The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia and functional constipation was 28.82% (95% CI: 27.93-30.01%) and 23.95% (95% CI: 22.83-25.07%), respectively. Multivariable regression showed that oropharyngeal dysphagia was significantly associated with functional constipation (aOR = 1.595, 95% CI: 1.390-1.830), and identified 17 PSM covariates. After matching, there were no significant differences in the covariates, and a 7.49% difference was revealed in the functional constipation rate between participants with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia (32.00% vs. 24.08%, p < 0.001).

In community-dwelling older adults, oropharyngeal dysphagia and functional constipation were significantly associated and affected approximately one-quarter of individuals, respectively.