- 논문 제목: Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Perceived Swallowing Difficulties Among Community-Dwelling Older People in South Korea
- 학술지명: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 2026년
- 저자: 김보라, 우희순, 민경철
- 초록
- 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 esophageal). 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.
- Keywords: aged, independent living, presbyphagia, prevalence, screening, self report, self- perceived swallowing difficulties
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