A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Training Exposure Regarding Dysphagia Management Among Healthcare and Allied Healthcare Professionals in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia is a clinically significant swallowing disorder associated with neurological conditions, head and neck cancers, post-surgical complications, and other medical conditions affecting swallowing function. If not identified and managed appropriately, it may lead to aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition, prolonged hospitalization, and reduced quality of life. Effective dysphagia management requires coordinated multidisciplinary involvement; however, limited evidence is available regarding dysphagia-related knowledge, attitudes, and training exposure among healthcare professionals in the United Arab Emirates. Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and training exposure regarding dysphagia management among healthcare and allied healthcare professionals in the UAE and to examine relationships among these variables. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 75 licensed healthcare and allied healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses, and physicians. Data were collected using a self-developed 35-item questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dysphagia-related knowledge, attitudes, and training exposure. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Results: The mean knowledge score was 7.3 ± 2.7, with 44.0% of participants showing average knowledge and 42.7% showing good knowledge. Positive attitudes were observed in 82.7% of participants, while 70.7% reported moderate training exposure. The knowledge, attitude, and training exposure scales demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.847, 0.797, and 0.624, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between training exposure and knowledge (rho = 0.463, p = 0.001), training exposure and attitude (rho = 0.427, p = 0.001), and knowledge and attitude (rho = 0.418, p = 0.001). Knowledge category was significantly associated with attitude category (p = 0.038), while most demographic and professional variables were not significantly associated with the main outcomes. Conclusion: Healthcare and allied healthcare professionals in the UAE demonstrated generally average-to-good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding dysphagia management, while training exposure was mostly moderate. The significant associations among knowledge, attitudes, and training exposure highlight the need for structured interdisciplinary training programs to strengthen dysphagia recognition, referral practices, and collaborative management across UAE healthcare settings.