Development of a Practical Intervention Model for Potential Dysphagia in the Elderly in the Chronic Phase of the Great East Japan Earthquake

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09611
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Fukushima Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Imaizumi Mitsuyoshi 福島県立医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (30554422)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 東日本大震災 / 被災地域在住高齢者 / 高齢者施設 / 嚥下障害調査票 / 嚥下スクリーニング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to investigate potential dysphagia among the elderly living in the disaster-affected areas of Fukushima Prefecture in the chronic phase 10 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to develop a dysphagia intervention model in the affected areas. A dysphagia survey was conducted among participants in elderly associations and residents of nursing homes in the disaster-affected areas. Based on the results obtained from the survey and the results of endoscopic swallowing examinations conducted at elderly care facilities in Fukushima Prefecture, we attempted to optimize a swallowing screening questionnaire as an appropriate method to diagnose the presence of dysphagia. The dysphagia questionnaire was optimized, with results leading to the development of an intervention model.

Free Research Field

嚥下障害

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

被災地域における老人会参加者や老人ホーム等の高齢者施設在住者を対象として、合計75名に対する嚥下障害調査を実施した。高齢者施設在住者の21.2％に嚥下障害を伴ったが、老人会に参加する高齢者施設に在住していない対象者においては、8.7％に嚥下障害を伴ったのみであり、大きな差異が認められた。被災地域における高齢者の嚥下スクリーニングを効果的に実施するには、高齢者施設在住者を優先する必要があることを意味する重要な知見をえた。更に、嚥下スクリーニング調査票の最適化を試み、統計学的に有効な質問項目を選定できた結果、介入モデルの開発につながる成果が得られた。