Oral frailty: a concept analysis

Abstract

Background: Oral frailty has become a worldwide problem among older adults. Although researchers have conducted various studies on oral frailty, its definition remains controversial. Purpose: To clarify the concept of oral frailty. Methods: Online databases PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang database were searched from inception to September 20, 2023. The reference lists of relevant studies were searched manually. Eligible articles, theses, and books were analyzed using Walker & Avant’s concept analysis model. Results: The attributes of oral frailty were abnormal oral structure and/or decline in multi-faceted oral function and coexisting decline in physical, cognitive and social functions. Its antecedents were aging, social frailty, and severe periodontitis, whereas its consequences were decline in physical health and mental health, social withdrawal, lower quality of life and systemic frailty. Conclusion: Oral frailty could result in worse conditions among older adults physically, psychologically and socially. Tools based on the concept analysis need to be developed to comprehensively assess oral frailty.