Associations of depression, daily singing, and healthy lifestyle on the risk of dysphagia and frailty among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional correlation study
- Author:
Yunmi KO
1
;
Haejung LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2025;27(4):427-438
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: This study examined the risk of dysphagia and frailty in community-dwelling older adults and identified related factors including general characteristics, depression, daily singing, and healthy lifestyle. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 183 older adults aged 65 or older from senior and welfare centers in Korea. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires between January and February 2025. Measurements included risk of dysphagia, frailty, depression, and healthy lifestyle (smoking, drinking, exercise, and nutrition). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression. Results: The prevalence of pre-frailty was 46.4% (n=85), and the risk of dysphagia was 30.6% (n=56). Dysphagia risk, frailty, depression, daily singing, and healthy lifestyle showed significant correlations. The number of comorbid conditions (β=.26, p<.001), depression (β=.16, p=.037), nutrition (β=-.16, p=.040) were significant predictors of risk of dysphagia with an adjusted R2 of 20.0% (F=8.58, p<.001). For frailty, significant predictors were dysphagia risk (β=.27, p<.001), number of comorbid conditions (β=.23, p<.001), nutrition (β=-.22, p<.001), high school education or above (β=-.15, p=.010), and physical activity (β=-.15, p=.006), with an adjusted R2 of 49.9% (F=13.92, p<.001). Conclusion: The number of comorbid conditions, dysphagia risk, nutritional status, and physical activity were identified as major influencing factors of frailty. Screening for dysphagia risk among older adults with multiple comorbidities, along with interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity, may contribute to the prevention of dysphagia and frailty in this population.
