5508V - The Cost of Dysphagia: Impacts of Dysphagia on Quality of Life for People with Dysphagia

This research aimed to examine the impacts of dysphagia on mealtime quality of life, participation, and inclusion for adults with a range of health conditions. An online survey included 30 people with dysphagia, four of their supporters and 18 health professionals. Analysis involved descriptive statistics on categorical data and content thematic analysis on qualitative data. Participants with dysphagia reported the greatest impact of dysphagia was on their physical safety. They viewed that this impacted on their quality of life more than other factors affecting quality of life, being choice and control, social engagement, and their mealtime experience. Health professionals suggested that texture-modified food had a greater impact on a person’s choice and control than did the participants with dysphagia.