SELF-PERCEPTION OF SWALLOWING IN PEOPLE WITH COVID-19, NOT HOSPITALIZED AND HOSPITALIZED IN MEDIUM AND BASIC CARE UNITS

Abstract

Objective: To describe the self perception of swallowing of people in Santiago de Chile who suffered from
COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2022 and were hospitalized in medium-basic care units or were not hospitalized. Material and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 36 participants who suffered COVID-19, separated into groups of hospitalized and non-hospitalized
individuals. The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire was used. Results: The mean age of the
hospitalized group was 39.95 years, compared to 37.38 years for the non-hospitalized group. The mean number of days of hospitalization was 19.78. The overall mean of the EAT-10 score for the hospitalized and non-hospitalized group was 4.83 and 2.67 points, respectively. The group of non-hospitalized individuals concentrated more responses in the “no problem” category than the group of hospitalized individuals. This group reported greater self-perceived alteration in the parameters of swallowing safety, efficiency, competence and comfort. Conclusions: Those who were hospitalized perceived greater alteration in the parameters of swallowing safety, efficiency, competence and swallowing comfort. The mean EAT-10 score indicates the risk of dysphagia among hospitalized patients. Further research on quality of life is suggested.