The Impact of Self-management Ability on Oral Frailty in Older Adults with Hypertension: The Chain Mediating Role of Anxiety and Nutritional Status - Report - DentalSpire

The Impact of Self-management Ability on Oral Frailty in Older Adults with Hypertension: The Chain Mediating Role of Anxiety and Nutritional Status

  • By

  • Xu, Min

  • Zhang, Xu

  • Bah, Chernor Sulaiman

  • Yuan, Yue

  • Wang, Yan

  • Zhao, Chenjian

  • Ma, Changke

  • Bao, Zexiang

  • May 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Role of Self-management Skills in Oral Frailty Among Hypertensive Seniors

Overview

This study investigates the interplay between self-management skills, anxiety, and nutritional health in relation to oral frailty among hypertensive seniors. Findings suggest that enhancing self-management abilities can mitigate oral frailty through reduced anxiety and improved nutritional status.

Background

Oral frailty is a significant concern among older adults, particularly those with hypertension, affecting their quality of life and increasing mortality risk. With a prevalence of up to 61.5%, understanding the factors influencing oral frailty is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study highlights the importance of self-management skills, anxiety, and nutritional health in addressing oral frailty.

Data Highlights

VariableEffect Size (β)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
Direct effect of self-management on oral frailty-0.037-0.054 to -0.019
Anxiety pathway-0.017-0.024 to -0.011
Nutritional status pathway-0.008-0.014 to -0.004
Serial mediation (anxiety-nutritional status)-0.009-0.019 to -0.003
Total mediating effect47.90%N/A

Key Findings

  • Oral frailty prevalence among hypertensive seniors is as high as 61.5%.
  • Significant correlations exist between self-management ability, anxiety, nutritional status, and oral frailty (p<0.001).
  • Self-management ability has a direct negative effect on oral frailty.
  • Anxiety and nutritional status mediate the relationship between self-management and oral frailty.
  • The total mediating effect accounts for 47.90% of the overall effect.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should focus on enhancing self-management skills in hypertensive seniors to reduce oral frailty risk. Addressing anxiety and optimizing nutritional status are essential components of comprehensive care strategies.

Conclusion

Improving self-management abilities, alongside managing anxiety and nutritional health, can significantly reduce the risk of oral frailty in older adults with hypertension. Targeted interventions are necessary for better health outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. JMIR Medical Informatics, 2026 -- Depression-Related Nutritional Risk and Physical Performance in Middle- to Older-Aged Adults
  2. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2026 -- Impact of Social Interaction and Feelings of Loneliness on Frailty Progression and Reversal
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Association of Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration with Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults
  4. Frontiers, 2025 -- Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and risk factors of oral frailty among older adults
  5. 2025 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults
  6. JAMA Network Open — Recognizing Housing Insecurity as a Critical Social Determinant of Healthy Aging
  7. Frontiers | Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and risk factors of oral frailty among older adults
  8. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults - American College of Cardiology
  9. Factors associated with oral frailty in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

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