Table 1 Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants

Sex

Male

10

71.4

Female

4

28.6

Age (years)

Minimum

42

Maximum

79

Mean ± SD

61.64 ± 11.68

Marital status

Single

6

42.9

Married

8

57.1

Level of education

No formal education

4

28.6

Secondary education

4

28.6

Above secondary education

6

42.9

Working condition

Employed

8

57.1

Unemployed

6

42.9

Medical expenses

Uninsured

4

28.6

Insured

10

71.4

Time since diagnosis

Less than 6 months

2

14.3

6–12 months

4

28.6

More than a year ago

8

57.1

Stage

Early stage (I&II)

6

42.9

Advanced stage (III& IV)

8

57.1

Treatment modality

Chemotherapy

2

14.3

Chemotherapy & radiation therapy

6

42.9

Radiation and surgery

2

14.3

All

4

28.6

Dysphagia severity

Mild

5

35.7

Moderate

7

50.0

Severe

2

14.3