Influence of oral health and social support on life satisfaction in Chilean older adults: evidence from a comprehensive factor analysis

This study examines the relationships among oral health-related quality of life, social support, and life satisfaction in older adults living in the Maule Region of Chile. A total of 1,371 participants, both institutionalized and community-dwelling, took part in this observational cross-sectional study. Validated instruments were used, including the OHIP-7Sp, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling explored latent constructs and their interrelations. The model demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89 for OHIP, 0.91 for MSPSS, and 0.87 for SWLS) and good overall fit. Direct positive effects were found from family and friend support to life satisfaction, while inverse relationships emerged between oral health-related quality of life and both social support and life satisfaction. Differential effects of family and friend support suggested culturally specific patterns of psychosocial support in older Chilean adults. Model robustness was confirmed through subgroup analyses by gender and life cycle stage. Ultimately, this study contributes to closing a critical gap in global gerontological research by foregrounding the interplay between oral health and psychosocial resources in a South American context, offering culturally grounded insights for regional and comparative aging studies.