Table 5 Score distribution of Dysphagia Handicap Index

 I avoid some foods because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.54

1.33

2.0

 I have changed the way I swallow to make it easier to eat

0–4

1.64

1.32

2.0

 It takes me longer to eat a meal than it used to

0–4

1.39

1.44

2.0

 I eat smaller meals more often due to my swallowing problem

0–4

1.47

1.36

2.0

 I do not socialize as much due to my swallowing problem

0–4

1.52

1.49

2.0

 I avoid eating because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.72

1.40

2.0

 I eat less due to my swallowing problem

0–4

1.68

1.36

2.0

 I must eat another way (feeding tube) because of my swallowing problem

0–4

3.27

1.45

4.0

 I have changed my diet due to my swallowing problem

0–4

1.90

1.41

2.0

 Total

9

0–36

16.08

9.29

18.0

 I cough when I drink liquids

0–4

1.58

1.35

2.0

 I cough when I eat solid food

0–4

1.80

1.41

2.0

 My mouth is dry

0–4

1.64

1.38

2.0

 I need to drink fluids to wash food down

0–4

1.37

1.30

2.0

 I have lost weight because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.74

1.45

2.0

 I have to swallow again before food will go down

0–4

1.56

1.26

2.0

 I choke when I take my medicine

0–4

1.86

1.41

2.0

 I feel a strangling sensation when I swallow

0–4

1.60

1.31

2.0

 I cough up food when after I swallow

0–4

1.88

1.42

2.0

 Total

9

0–36

15.01

8.34

16.0

 I am embarrassed to eat in public

0–4

1.64

1.49

2.0

 I feel depressed because I cannot eat what I want

0–4

1.66

1.49

2.0

 I do not enjoy eating as much as I used to

0–4

1.23

1.33

2.0

 I am nervous because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.52

1.54

2.0

 I feel handicapped because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.41

1.41

2.0

 I get angry with myself because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.64

1.49

2.0

 I am afraid that I will choke and stop breathing because of my swallowing problem

0–4

1.60

1.43

2.0

 Total

7

0–28

10.69

8.19

12.0

Overall

25

0–100

41.78

23.11

46.0