Abstract:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Title: Impact of Dysphagia on Quality of Life after Treatment of Head Neck Cancer in
Bangladesh.
The aim of the study is to find out the impact of dysphagia on quality of life among the
people with head and neck cancer following radiotherapy, chemotherapy and
chemoradiotherapy in specialized hospital in Bangladesh. To know the functional, physical
and emotional impacts of dysphagia on quality of life.
The study is based on a quantitative type of cross sectional survey design paradigm. 10
samples were selected using a purposive (non-probability) sampling technique in accordance
with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bangla translated M.D.Anderson Dysphagia
Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analysed by
Descriptive statistics and presented in a table and bar graph.
In this study investigator identified that most of the people with dysphagia had difficulties in
emotional and physical areas. According to this study maximum number of participants had
difficulties in functional area. 60% of participants mentioned that they feel embarrassed for
their swallowing problem. 90% of participants told that they have low self-esteem because of
their swallowing problem. 50% of participants stated about their impact on day to day
activities. 50% of participants reported that swallowing problems limit social and personal
life. 60% of participants mentioned that they limit their food intake because of their
swallowing difficulty. The findings with this small group of people with severe dysphagia
after taking chemo radio therapy treatment of HNC suggest that their quality of life is
severely compromised. Swallowing is the most important concern in human life to live a
sound life. Sometimes this swallowing process becomes difficult and hard to survive.
Swallowing related quality of life and the aspects of QOL related to emotional area,
functional area and physical area are significantly worse of people with head and neck
cancer. Speech & Language Therapist can improve the quality of life through exploring the
underlying fact of those types of patients who suffer from swallowing problem.
