Abstract: Objective To investigate the quality of life (QOL) of dysphagic patients after stroke and the factors related to it. Methods One hundred patients with dysphagia after stroke from January, 2014 to February, 2015 were investigated with the Swallowing Disorder Patients Quality of Life Scale (SWAL-QOL). The general and special data of the patients were collected, and were analyzed with univariate analysis and Ordinal regression. Results With univariate analysis, there was significant difference in scores of SWAL-QOL among the patients of various ages, courses, education levels, complications, treatment time, ways of eating, grades of drinking water test and swallowing function scores (P<0.01). Ordinal regression analysis showed that the high scores of SWAL-QOL was more probable in the patients aged 50-59 years old, with higher education level, no complication and less grade of drinking water test. Conclusion Intervention targeted to the risk factors may improve the QOL of patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Key words: stroke, dysphagia, quality of life, related factors