Prevalence and associated factors of oral frailty in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery: a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study

Background: Oral health has become a critical area of public health concern. Oral frailty refers to a significant decline in oral function and health, often manifested as impaired chewing and swallowing abilities as well as deterioration of oral structures. Oral frailty not only potentially affects postoperative recovery and quality of life but is also closely associated with various systemic health conditions. However, research on oral frailty in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery remains limited. Objective: This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral frailty and identify its associated factors among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary general hospital in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, involving 300 patients undergoing elective surgery from October 2024 to May 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8), number of natural teeth, the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), the FRAIL Scale, and the Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS) to assess cognitive status. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with oral frailty among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Results: < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of oral frailty is high among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Healthcare providers should implement preventive management measures based on identified risk factors to control the occurrence and progression of oral frailty and to promote rapid postoperative recovery.