Current situation and influencing fctors of oral frailty for community-dwelling older adults in the northeastern border areas of China: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

Unique lifestyle and cultural factors in China may lead to distinct patterns of risk factors for oral frailty among older adults, especially in regions inhabited by northeastern border minority groups.

Methods

From July to November 2023, a convenience sampling method was employed to select older adults from three communities in Yanji City as the subjects. Data were collected by a set of questionnaires.

Results

A total of 478 older adults were included, revealing a prevalence rate of 71.6 % for oral frailty. Factors influencing were found to include age, ethnicity, gender, income, number of chronic diseases, body mass index, drinking, physical frailty, sleep disorders, and attitudes towards aging (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is a higher prevalence of oral frailty. It is crucial to prioritize the oral health issues of older adults with high-risk factors and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce and control the occurrence and progression of oral frailty.