The Easy Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (EDSQ): a new dysphagia screening questionnaire for the older adults

PurposeThe early detection of dysphagia, a common clinical issue among older adults, is important. However, healthcare professionals sometimes experience difficulties in applying the current screening tools to older adults. Therefore, we developed the Easy Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (EDSQ), a simplified tool for the older adults, and investigated its reliability and validity.MethodsThe 12-item yes/no EDSQ assesses dysphagia symptoms, with a total score being the sum of all yes responses. Each item was determined by consensus of three physiatrists after reviewing the previous dysphagia questionnaires. Participants were aged 65years or older who either complained of or were suspected by a physician of facing swallowing disturbance. They completed the EDSQ, modified water swallow test (MWST), and videofluoroscopic swallowing study. The EDSQ's internal consistency was assessed. Correlations between the EDSQ total score and the MWST, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) swallowing scale, and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) were analyzed.ResultsThe sample comprised 51 participants (29 male, 56.9%; mean age76.76.6years). Mean EDSQ total score was 4.33 +/- 3.03 (range 0-12). Regarding the EDSQ's reliability, the Cronbach's coefficient was 0.785. The EDSQ total score correlated with the MWST (r=-0.468, p=0.001), ASHA NOMS swallowing scale (r=-0.635, p<0.001), and VDS (r=0.449, p=0.001). The receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed an optimal cut-off score of5, with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 67.5%.ConclusionsThe EDSQ showed acceptable reliability and validity, indicating its applicability to older adults as a simple screening tool for safe swallowing.