Table 1.

Domains and abbreviated items of the SWAL-QOL questionnaire, adapted from adapted from McHorney, et al. (12).

Burden

Dealing with my SP is very difficult

My SP is a major distraction in my life

Physical

Coughing

Choking when eating

Choking when drinking

Thick saliva phlegm

Gagging

Too much saliva or phlegm

Having to clear throat

Drooling

Problems chewing

Food sticking in throat

Food sticking in mouth

Food or liquid dribbling out of mouth

Food or liquid dribbling out of nose

Coughing food or liquid out of mouth

Mental

My SP depresses me

I get impatient dealing with my SP

Being so careful when I eat or drink annoys me

My SP frustrates me

I’ve been discouraged by my SP

Fear

I fear I may start choking when I eat food

I worry about getting pneumonia

I am afraid of choking when I drink liquids

I never know when I am going to choke

Eating Desire

Most days, I don’t care if I eat or not

I don’t enjoy eating anymore

I’m rarely hungry anymore

Eating Duration

It takes me longer to eat than other people

It takes me forever to eat a meal

Food Selection

Figuring out what I can eat is a problem for me

It is difficult to find foods that I like and can eat

Sleep

I have trouble falling asleep

I have trouble staying asleep

Fatigue

I feel exhausted

I feel week

I feel tired

Social

I don’t go out to eat because of my SP

My SP makes is hard to have a social life

My usual activities have changed BOM SP

Social gatherings are not enjoyable BOM SP

My role with family/friends has changed BOM SP

Communication

People have a hard time understanding me

It’s been difficult for me to speak clearly

Abbreviations: SP, swallowing problem; BOM, because of my.