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

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.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Oral Health, 2026 · DOI ↗