Quality of Life in Individuals With Poststroke Dysphagia and Its Association With Demographic and Clinical Factors

Purpose: The current study investigated quality of life (QoL) in Arabic-speaking individuals living in Jordan with poststroke dysphagia and its association with demographic and clinical factors, including gender, age, educational level, time since stroke onset, depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and cognitive function. Method: A total of 29 individuals with poststroke dysphagia who received rehabilitation services at outpatient rehabilitation facilities in Amman, Jordan, were included in this pilot cross-sectional study. QoL was measured using the Dysphagia Handicap Index. The levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–21. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. QoL was compared between the different groups using the independent-samples t test. Results: The findings indicated a reduction in all QoL domains, including physical, functional, and emotional. Participants who had experienced a stroke within the past 6 months (acute stage), as well as those with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive impairment, reported poorer QoL than those without these conditions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that psychological distress, fatigue, and cognitive impairment are associated with impaired QoL in individuals with poststroke dysphagia. Therefore, addressing these factors in dysphagia rehabilitation may improve treatment outcomes and enhance overall well-being.