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Experiences and self-management practices among hospitalized older adults with oral frailty: a qualitative interview study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To explore oral health experiences and self-management among hospitalized older adults with oral frailty, and to provide evidence to inform the development of targeted intervention strategies. Guided by the theory of health empowerment, a purposive sampling approach was adopted. From July 1 to July 31, 2025, Eleven older adults with oral frailty were recruited from the Department of Geriatrics at a tertiary hospital in Dalian, China, and participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants ranged in age from 60 to 88 years, with the majority aged 71–80 years ( n = 5, 45.5%), and included 6 males (54.5%) and 5 females (45.5%). Five major themes and fifteen subthemes were identified. Theme 1, illness perception and critical awareness, included understanding of the concept of oral frailty, self-attribution of causes, and perceived impact on daily life. Theme 2, self-management practices and barriers, comprised strategy use in addressing specific problems, difficulties in maintaining daily care, and the positive role of successful experiences in enhancing self-efficacy. Theme 3, health information and decision-making participation, involved evaluation of information sources, perceptions and attitudes toward treatment options, and experiences of autonomy in clinical decision-making. Theme 4, support systems and resource utilization, included the role of informal support networks, accessibility of formal healthcare resources, and perceived systemic barriers and facilitators. Theme 5, future health expectations and needs, encompassed expressed needs for multidimensional empowerment, expectations for professional support, and individual health planning. Self-management among hospitalized older adults with oral frailty is hindered by multiple factors, including insufficient disease awareness, limited practical skills, and inadequate support systems. Comprehensive empowerment-based interventions integrating health education, skills training, and community support are warranted to enhance oral health self-management in this population.

Source: BMC Oral Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12903-026-09856-5

Authors: Yani Zhou, Han Zhang, Siyu Liu, Xu Song, Daihong Ji, Yanan Zhou

Institutions: Dalian University, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Zhangjiakou University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190