The impact of stroke-induced dysphagia on the quality of life of Maltese people

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate how dysphagia affects the Quality of Life of Maltese individuals who experienced a stroke and that of their primary caregivers. This study included 28 participants: 10 with stroke-induced dysphagia, nine with stroke and no dysphagia, and nine caregivers. A self-devised case-history form was used to obtain general and demographic information about the participants who experienced a stroke. The Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) was used to measure the severity and specific symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia and its effect on different domains related to Quality of Life. Two other short questionnaires about Quality of Life were devised for the purpose of this research: one for the participants with stroke (Quality of Life – Participant Questionnaire; QoL – PQ) and one for the caregivers (Quality of Life – Caregiver Questionnaire; QoL – CQ). Quantitative data gathered from the SWAL-QOL and QoL – PQ was compared in relation to three independent variables: (1) presence of dysphagia; (2) place of residence; and (3) gender. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the QoL – CQ was analysed by comparing responses between caregivers of persons with dysphagia and caregivers of individuals with no dysphagia. Findings showed that stroke-induced dysphagia has a negative impact upon different Quality of Life domains of both the individuals who have experienced a stroke and their caregiver. Two major themes were derived from the qualitative responses of the QoL – CQ. Whilst the first theme outlined the effect of the individual’s stroke on the caregiver’s Quality of Life, the second highlighted the difficulties and changes encountered by caregivers during meal preparation. This research shed light on the importance of viewing each and every individual holistically in order to understand better the perceived impact of post-stroke dysphagia on the Quality of Life of each individual.