Experience of Symptoms Related to Dysarthria in Patients with NPC During Radiotherapy: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Background: Radiation to the adjacent parts of the tumor and radiation to the larynx may lead to voice changes and the development of dysarthria, however, dysarthria is often overlooked compared to other complications. It is necessary to understand the experience of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients with symptoms related to dysarthria after radiotherapy.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study enrolled 33 patients NPC radiotherapy patients who experienced dysarthria were recruited from May to August 2024. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and converted verbatim into standard text, and the data were iteratively thematically analyzed.

Results: Changes in speech and language quality after radiotherapy for NPC are common, but there are differences in the degree of symptoms perceived by patients. At the same time, dysarthria is often accompanied by other diverse oropharyngeal symptoms, and the trajectory-varying nature of these symptom experiences imposes a dual physical and psychological burden on patients. Lack of awareness of dysarthria and inadequate emotional support may lead to very different coping styles and a desire for professional ongoing voice management.

Conclusion: This study helps to elucidate the current status of dysarthria faced by patients undergoing radiotherapy for NPC and provides multiple dimensions of dysarthria assessment and management goals for quantitative research. We call attention to the need for healthcare professionals to pay attention to patients' perspectives and related needs and to develop targeted management strategies that match patients' needs, and we emphasize the importance of continuity of care to effectively improve dysarthria-related symptoms.