The Impact of Swallowing Difficulties on People with Parkinson’s Disease in Saudi Arabia: A Survey

Abstract

Background Information Dysphagia has been proven through research to be one of the consequences of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). While numerous studies have researched the psychological and social impact of swallowing difficulties on people with various diseases, the information provided on the impact on people with Parkinson’s disease has been lacking, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological and social burden of swallowing difficulties as experienced by people with PD, using an online survey. Methods A 47-item online questionnaire was disseminated via Qualitrics. Gatekeepers from the Saudi Parkinson’s Society, and other medical professionals were contacted in order to distribute the survey to the targeted population. The survey was disseminated for 4 weeks, from 21.02.2020 to 20.03.2020. Results Forty-nine people with PD living in Saudi Arabia were included in the final analysis. The findings show a social and psychological burden caused by symptoms of swallowing difficulties in people with PD. Conclusion The results have demonstrated a significant social and psychological burden on the participants caused by the swallowing difficulties that people with PD reportedly experience. Limitations of the survey include using subjective rating of the swallowing difficulty, along with exclusively using an online survey, as this limits respondent variety. This proves a need for a screening of swallowing difficulties in PD in primary care clinics, or neurology clinics, in order to provide the appropriate care at a timely manner. This study could serve as a first step in conducting action research resulting in transformative change for the management of services provided for people with PD. The aim is to look beyond the person’s physical health, to include aid and services aimed at educating and helping them to manage the social and psychological changes that they might have to endure.