A low phase angle determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis is associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalized older adults.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and its association with body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and functionality among institutionalized older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The swallowing function and diagnosis of OD were evaluated with a volume-viscosity swallow test. Activities of daily living were evaluated by the Barthel Index. Body composition was evaluated by BIA, and phase angle (PhA) was determined.

Results: Eighty institutionalized older adults were evaluated. The mean age of the study population was 82±9.5 years, and 65% were females. The OD prevalence was 30%, dependence was 30%, and sarcopenia was 16%. In the multivariate analysis, a low PhA (<3.5°) was independently associated with the presence of OD adjusted by sex and age (OR: 2.60, 95%CI 2.41-2.90, p=0.01).

Conclusions: A higher prevalence of OD was found. Significant and independent associations were found between low PhA, dependence, and sarcopenia with the presence of OD among institutionalized older persons.