Dysphagia among patients with mental illness in a specialized hospital in BANGLADESH

Abstract

Dysphagia and mental health are intertwined. 1 in every eight persons globally suffers from a mental disorder. People with mental health disorders are faced unique challenges that can impact their health outcomes when experiencing swallowing difficulty. This population faces a unique challenge because of the negative consequences of medication. This study set out to explore the prevalence and severity of dysphagia among mental health patients in a specialized hospital in Bangladesh. It is a cross-sectional inquiry was performed on 190 subjects diagnosed with mental health disorders to investigate prevalence among dysphagia. A purposive sampling method was used to select the study population, and the research took place at the NIMH, CRP—Rabia Noor Mental Health Day Centre, and Mental Health Day Centre, CRP-Mirpur. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) was assigned for data collection. Within the population studied, 73% (138) of total respondents reported suspected dysphagia. 47% (89) of individuals had dysphagia, which raised clinical concern, and 26% (49) had aspiration risk dysphagia. Patients aged 18–27 years were disproportionately affected, with 27.4% of patients having suspected dysphagia and 10% being classified as at risk of aspiration. Significant relationships exist between smoking history, gastrointestinal history, and antipsychotic medication use with dysphagia severity & they were highlighted as markers of severe dysphagia This study enhanced the prevalence of dysphagia among patients with mental disorders. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive dysphagia assessment in the periphery of mental health, focusing on high-risk factors and long-term medication use. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are integral in treating and SLTs represent a potential opportunity to improve mental healthcare if integrated into the existing mental healthcare delivery systems despite the limited healthcare resources. This study provides encouraging data to support dysphagia screening and collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for this high-risk population. SLT and mental disorder patients have this great chance to raise awareness of dysphagia. Keywords: Dysphagia, Mental Illness, Antipsychotic medication