Abstract
Background
Elderly residents in nursing homes are at high risk for dysphagia. However, the prevalence estimates of this condition and its risk factors among this population were inconsistent.
Objective
To estimate the prevalence of dysphagia and examine its risk factors among the elderly in nursing homes.
Methods
Electronic database of PubMed, Web of science, Embase for English language, Wangfang, VIP and CNKI for Chinese language were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies published not later than July 4, 2021. Studies conducted in nursing homes and reported dysphagia assessment methods were included.
Results
In total, 43 studies involving 56,746 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-Analysis. The overall pooled crude prevalence of dysphagia was 35.9% (95%CI: 29.0%, 43.4%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence estimates with respect to study locations, methods of assessment of dysphagia, dysphagia assessment staff, representativeness of samples, and validity of assessment tools. Pooled estimates indicated that male (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.27), cognitive impairment (OR = 2.47, 95%CI: 1.59, 3.84), functional limitation (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.75, 3.84), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.73,4.87), dementia (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.96) and Parkinson’s disease (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.06, 3.08) were significant risk factors for dysphagia.
Conclusions
The prevalence of dysphagia in nursing homes is relatively high, and with high heterogeneity. Also, many factors were associated with the risk of dysphagia. Further research is needed to identify strategies for management and interventions targeted at these disorders in this population.