한국판 지역사회 거주 노인을 위한 연하장애 위험성 평가 표준화 연구

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to standardize the Korean version of the dysphagia risk assessment for the community-dwelling elderly (K-DRACE), identify normative values in the Korean elderly, and age-specific swallowing characteristics. Methods: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were confirmed in 489 community-dwelling elderly aged 65 years or older in Korea. Concurrent validity was verified by correlation with the Korean version of eating assessment tool (K-EAT-10). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess utility and estimate the cut-off value. Norms were identified in 5-year age increments, from 65 to 85＋. Results: The Cronbach’s α value of K-DRACE was .815, test-retest reliability was .834 (95% CI .735-.909). It was significantly positively correlated with K-EAT-10 (r=.629, P＜.01). K-DRACE was thus deemed suitable as a screening tool to identify the risk of dysphagia (area under the curve [AUC]=.828), with an optimal cut-off of 3.5 (Youden’s index=.494). The total score of K-DRACE increased with age, with individuals aged 85 years and older being at risk of dysphagia (total score ＞4). The highest mean score was found in the oral phase. Conclusion: K-DRACE demonstrated sufficient reliability, validity, and feasibility in the Korean elderly population and can be effectively utilized in community-based swallowing rehabilitation. This study confirms the need for specialized assessment and intervention in the oral phase for the oldest age group (85+) and emphasizes the importance of managing dysphagia in the community-dwelling elderly.