Concurrent Validity of the Swallowing Monitoring & Assessment Protocol for the Elderly

Abstract

Objectives: Since swallowing function deteriorates with aging, it is crucial to examine the elderly’s perception of their swallowing function and quality of life-swallowing. The purpose of this study was to establish the concurrent validity of the Swallowing Monitoring & Assessment Protocol (SMAP) and the Korean-Dysphagia Handicap Index (K-DHI). Methods: The results of the one-on-one survey via paper-pencil or mobile format presented to 91 older adults (men 20, women 71; mean age, 78±6.47 years) among 579 participants recruited from the 16 senior welfare or senior community centers were analyzed. Individual responses were converted into scores and Pearson correlation and Spearman rank order statistical analyses were done via the IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Results: There was a strong correlation (r=.825, p<.01) between the overall scores of the SMAP and the K-DHI. Analysis of rank ordered data of response frequency of the 13 items with similar contents in two evaluation tools also revealed a moderate correlation (r=.655, p<.05). Items related with ‘dry mouth’ ranked as the first complaint in both evaluation tools. Also, ‘choking’ and ‘coughing’ on liquids or water was ranked third (SMAP) and second (K-DHI) complaints, respectively, in both evaluation tools. Conclusion: It should be recognized that some swallowing problems observed in older adults may be a consequence of ‘ageing’ rather than features of ‘disorder’, per se.