SynthesisBMC geriatrics2026
The prevalence and associated factors of oral frailty in older Chinese patients with chronic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundSince the introduction of the concept of oral frailty, various studies in China have primarily focused on individual chronic diseases. However, there is a significant gap in integrated data concerning the prevalence of oral frailty among older patients with multiple chronic conditions. Furthermore, research on associated factors remains fragmented. These gaps highlight the urgent need for comprehensive analyses that can provide robust evidence for the management of oral health in older adults suffering from chronic diseases.
methodsWe systematically searched multiple databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and CBM. Our search encompassed studies published from the inception of each database until August 30, 2025. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 17.0. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates of oral frailty and identified associated factors using fixed-effects or random-effects models, as deemed appropriate. We assessed heterogeneity through subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses, while potential publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test.
resultsA total of 16 studies involving 5045 participants were included. The overall prevalence of oral frailty among older adults with chronic diseases was found to be 54.33%. Subgroup analyses indicated that the prevalence was notably higher in populations with two or more chronic diseases. Moreover, the meta-analysis identified six factors as risk correlates for oral frailty (advanced age, smoking, frailty, number of comorbid chronic diseases, duration of chronic diseases, and malnutrition) and one factor as a protective correlate (oral self-efficacy).
conclusionBased on cross-sectional data from Chinese populations, this systematic review indicates a high prevalence of oral frailty among older adults with chronic diseases, associated with multiple risk and protective correlates. Given its multifactorial nature, integrating structured, multidisciplinary oral frailty management into routine geriatric care is strongly recommended for this population.
trial registrationThe study was registered in the International Database of Prospectively Registered Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD420251128575. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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