Prevalence and Characteristics of Self‐Perceived Swallowing Difficulties Among Community‐Dwelling Older People in South Korea

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 oesophageal). 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.