Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Care-Dependent Older Residents in Integrated Medical and Nursing Care Institutions

Objective This study aimed to assess the status of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to explore its associated factors among care-dependent older residents in integrated medical and nursing care institutions, including caregiver-related factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2025. A convenience sample of 150 care-dependent older patient-caregiver dyads was recruited from two institutions in Nanjing. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Data were collected via face-to-face examinations and questionnaires, including patient demographics, systemic and functional status (Barthel Index, Mini-Mental State Examination, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form), oral clinical conditions (DMFT index, Gingival Index), and caregiver factors (knowledge, attitudes). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent associations of various factors with OHRQoL. Results The mean GOHAI score was 39.04 ± 9.29. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that nutritional status (B = 1.516, 95% CI: 0.910 to 2.121, p < 0.001), activities of daily living (B = 0.222, 95% CI: 0.136 to 0.308, p < 0.001), education level (primary school: B = -2.862, 95% CI: -4.678 to -1.046, p = 0.002; illiteracy: B = -4.334, 95% CI: -6.755 to -1.912, p = 0.001), and prosthetic status (non-ideal: B = -4.554, 95% CI: -6.762 to -2.347, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with OHRQoL. Caregivers' oral health knowledge (B = 0.118, 95% CI: -0.330 to 0.565, p > 0.05) and attitude scores (B = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.094 to 0.101, p > 0.05) showed no significant association. Conclusion Lower OHRQoL in care-dependent older residents was associated with poorer nutritional status, lower functional ability, lower education level, and non-ideal prosthetic status. Caregiver-related factors, including knowledge and attitudes, were not significantly associated with OHRQoL. These findings suggest that attention to nutritional support, functional maintenance, and appropriate prosthetic rehabilitation may be relevant to improving OHRQoL in this population, although further research is needed to confirm these associations.