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The Impact of Swallowing Difficulties on Quality of Life in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Residential Care: Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Maya Izumi

    (School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu Dental University, Fukuoka 803-8580, Japan)

  • Seijun Ganaha

    (Kumamoto Kizuna Dental Office, Kumamoto 861-5255, Japan)

  • Yuki Kai

    (Kumamoto Kizuna Dental Office, Kumamoto 861-5255, Japan)

  • Ikuri Konishi

    (Aso Kizuna Dental Office, Kumamoto 869-2612, Japan)

  • Risa Kira

    (Aso Kizuna Dental Office, Kumamoto 869-2612, Japan)

  • Sumio Akifusa

    (School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu Dental University, Fukuoka 803-8580, Japan)

Abstract

Dysphagia is a common but often overlooked concern among individuals with intellectual disabilities and may negatively impact their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the association between swallowing function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults with intellectual disabilities in residential care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 48 individuals in residential care facilities in Japan. Swallowing function was assessed with the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and HRQOL with the EuroQol-5 Dimension, five-level version (EQ-5D-5L), in which higher index values denote better HRQOL. A generalized linear model (GLM) with gamma distribution was used to identify factors associated with EQ-5D-5L scores. Participants with lower EAT-10 scores (≤2) showed significantly higher EQ-5D-5L scores. In the GLM, better swallowing function was positively associated with EQ-5D-5L score (B = 0.21, p = 0.012). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of this association. Conclusions: Swallowing dysfunction is linked to reduced HRQOL in individuals with intellectual disabilities, underscoring the need for regular screening and intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Maya Izumi & Seijun Ganaha & Yuki Kai & Ikuri Konishi & Risa Kira & Sumio Akifusa, 2025. "The Impact of Swallowing Difficulties on Quality of Life in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Residential Care: Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(10), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:10:p:1470-:d:1756887
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