Browsing by Author "Hanosh, Mariam"

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    Factors associated with dysphagia risk among residents in aged care : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Hanosh, Mariam
    Background: Dysphagia is commonly associated with the ageing process and can lead to decreased food intake with associated health problems. Aim: This study aimed to determine factors associated with dysphagia risk among older adults in residential aged care (RAC). Methods: Residents aged ≥ 65 years and, with severe cognitive or functional decline, or undertaking palliative care were excluded. Pacemaker wearers were excluded from completing the body composition analysis assessment. This cross-sectional study included 91 older adults across three RAC facilities in Auckland. Demographic data were collected from the RAC clinical files. Validated questionnaires were completed during personal interviews. These included: Strength, Assistance with walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and experiencing Falls (SARC-F), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the 12-item short form survey to assess health-related quality of life (SF-12). Physical measures included weight, grip strength, gait speed and body composition. Results: Findings showed the odds of being at dysphagia risk increased in those at risk of sarcopenia OR= 4.7, 95% CI 1.8, 12; malnutrition OR=10, 95% CI 1.2, 82, and depression OR= 5.0 95% CI 1.9, 13. Adjusting for age, sex and number of medications, sarcopenia risk, malnutrition and depression remained associated with dysphagia risk. Adjusting for age, sex, number of medications and all health variables (SARC-F, MNA, and GDS); depression risk was the only remaining significant association with being at dysphagia risk. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to identify and address malnutrition, sarcopenia, and depression to minimise the cyclic impact these conditions have one each other and older adults in RAC.