The prevalence and nature of communication and swallowing difficulties among adults with Long-COVID.
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2023Author:
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Gilheaney, Ó, McIntyre, A. & McTiernan, K., The prevalence and nature of communication and swallowing difficulties among adults with Long-COVID., Advances in Communication and Swallowing, 2023Download Item:
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Long-COVID is an illness which can be experienced after contracting COVID-19, which has affected
millions worldwide to date. Long-COVID is characterised by symptoms of COVID-19 which persist 12 weeks post initial
onset of the virus and cannot be attributed to a pre-existing diagnosis. In the acute phase of COVID-19, swallowing and
communication difficulties are common, however, to date, no studies have investigated the specific effects of Long-COVID
on communication and swallowing.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, nature, and severity of communication and swallowing
difficulties in adults with Long-COVID.
METHODS: This online cross-sectional design survey was hosted via Qualtrics. Adults living with Long-COVID were
recruited via online social media to complete a 16-item anonymous survey regarding the prevalence, nature, and severity of
communication and swallowing difficulties associated with Long-COVID. The data was quantitatively analyzed using SPSS,
with thematic analysis used for qualitative data.
RESULTS: 108 participants completed the survey. 79 of these individuals were eligible for inclusion in analysis, with 96.67%
reporting communication difficulties, and 73.42% reporting swallowing difficulties as a result of Long-COVID. The nature
of the difficulties experienced by adults with Long-COVID varied. The majority of the participants found their difficulties to
be moderate in severity.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of communication and swallowing difficulties among adults with Long-
COVID, which vary in nature and severity. The high prevalence of communication and swallowing difficulties experienced
by individuals with Long-COVID indicates the need for further research into the MDT identification and management of
these difficulties, with particular involvement of SLTs in care provision and research, to promote well-being and recovery
where possible.
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http://people.tcd.ie/kmurph10Description:
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Author: Mc Tiernan, Kathleen
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Advances in Communication and Swallowing;Availability:
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COMMUNICATION , COVID 19 , DYSPHAGIAMetadata
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