Dysphagia, a Problem Associated with Swallowing Solid Dosage form (SDF) in the General Population

Abstract

Background: One highly popular method of drug administration is the oral administration of the medication. However, this can be bothersome as it may exert stress as many individuals may suffer from swallowing problems like dysphagia. It can occur in all age groups but geriatric patients are very much affected by the problem.

Objective: Present study was designed to understand the stress of dysphagia in different individuals and to gain knowledge regarding their pill administration experience.

Method: The study design was descriptive observational with convenience sampling. Following literature survey a total of 343 participants enrolled in this study. After taking informed consent they were asked to complete the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis along with Pearson’s chi squared test of correlation and goodness of fit model was applied to the different questions using SPSS-20.

Result: The data showed female preponderance along with the mean age group within 18 – 25 year’s age brackets. Test of correlation showed that the concepts of participant whether male of female were same with no statistically different results suggesting the problem is equally affecting both genders. Prevalence could not be calculated as participants already had dysphagia.

Conclusion: The study concludes that solid dosage form (SDF) may cause dysphagia in every age group. There is a need for Pharmaceutical Companies to make a plan of monitoring the market regularly on how the population experience pill-induced dysphagia as well as some novel drug delivery system (NDDS) must be introduced to manage this problem.