Objective To identify the risk factors for dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), and to provide refe-rences for targeted interventions. Methods We searched international and domestic databases for studies published from 2000 to April, 2022.Literature regarding risk factors for dysphagia in HNC patients were included after quality appraisal and then a me-ta-analysis was performed. Results A total of 22 studies were included, involving 4,114 subjects.Our pooled results of this meta-analysis suggested that risk factors for dysphagia were age, tumor stage （T3/T4）, primary tumor location （oral cavity, laryngeal pharynx, and nasopharynx）, neck dissection, surgical method, postoperative radiotherapy, and smoking （OR=1.09-8.27,all P＜0.05）. Conclusion Many factors might induce dysphagia in HNC patients, so nurses should accurately assess the risk factors and take targeted preventive interventions.