The Prevalence of Dysphagia among Saudi Arabian Population in the Western Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Dysphagia refers to difficulty or pain while swallowing. It is a condition with diverse etiologies and demographic characteristics. Dysphagia is prevalent across populations, leading to significant negative health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dysphagia in the western regions of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on identifying signs and symptoms associated with the condition. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire gathered demographic data, assessed the different stages of dysphagia, and identified common symptoms. The data were evaluated using SPSS version 23. Results: Most of the participants were young females with a high level of education. Although most participants reported no significant swallowing difficulties, approximately 3% experienced occasional or frequent issues with chewing, swallowing, food residue, and coughing. Dysphagia was found to be significantly associated with chronic diseases and gender. Conclusion: This study revealed that dysphagia was prevalent among adults in Saudi Arabia, with mild cases more commonly observed in younger adults and individuals with chronic diseases. The need for early screening, public health campaigns, healthcare provider training, and lifestyle interventions to reduce the prevalence of dysphagia is warranted.