Anxiety and depression in patients with post-surgical dysphagia in Sri Lanka

Background: Undiagnosed anxiety and depression are obstacles for the effective treatment of post-surgical dysphagia. The prevalence associations between postsurgical dysphagia poorly studied areas in Sri Lanka. Aims: This study aimed to determine proportion among patients with following oral, oral maxillofacial (OMF), neck surgeries, identify severity stage dysphagia, occurrence depression. Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted 95 participants post-operative OMF at four tertiary care hospitals. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, oral-motor cranial nerve examination, 3ml water swallow test, cervical auscultation Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale were used data collection. Results: majority (52%) presented pharyngeal phase, 51% severe Among participants, 52% screened positive 39% anxiety, while 37% 47% showed borderline levels respectively. There a statistically significant association increasing anxiety. Conclusions: reflects that there is high psychological burden OMF, surgeries. highlights need incorporation interdisciplinary strategies, as undiagnosed likely impact negatively on rehabilitation management