# Factors Related to Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults in a Healthcare Center in Colombia

## TL;DR

This study found that about 23.6% of adults in Colombia had oropharyngeal dysphagia, with older adults and those with stroke history or anticholinergic drug use being more affected.

## Contribution

The study identifies key risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia in Colombian adults using videofluoroscopy data.

## Key findings

- 23.6% of adults had oropharyngeal dysphagia.
- Older adults had a higher occurrence of the condition.
- Stroke history and anticholinergic drug use were associated with dysphagia.

## Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to determine the frequency and factors related to oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults in a health center in Colombia evaluated by videofluroscopy of swallowing. Methods: We reviewed the records of 144 patients evaluated through videofluroscopy of swallowing. In order to analyze the results, descriptive, bivariate statistical analysis, and multivariate regression were used. Results: This investigation revealed that 23.6% of adults had oropharyngeal dysphagia. Older adults had a higher percentage of occurrence, and the factors associated with this symptom were having a history of cerebral stroke and being medicated with anticholinergic drugs. Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that older adults with other comorbidities have a high percentage of presenting oropharyngeal dysphagia. Further research is needed to characterize the entity in other populations.