Oral health and nutrition in older adults in care homes: barriers and facilitators

It also aims to inform the design of a behaviour change intervention to reduce sugar consumption in this setting.<br><br>

Methods

A multi-phase approach was used: Phase 1 (Scoping Review) examined the literature on diet, nutrition, and oral health in older care home residents. Phase 2 (Qualitative Study) involved semi-structured interviews with care home residents, family members, staff, and external healthcare professionals to explore their perspectives on oral health and dietary practices. Phase 3 (Intervention Design) used findings from the first two phases to inform the development of a sugar-reduction intervention, guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel.<br><br>Results: The review highlighted a limited but growing evidence base showing the bidirectional link between diet and oral health.

The qualitative study revealed key challenges, including routine use of sugar-rich foods to address malnutrition, lack of integration between oral and nutritional care, and systemic barriers to dietary change in care homes. These findings directly informed the design of a stakeholder-informed, theory-driven intervention.<br><br>Conclusion: This thesis offers new insights into the neglected impact of sugar on oral health in care home residents.

It emphasises the lived experiences of older adults and systemic gaps in care, laying the groundwork for a context-specific intervention to reduce sugar intake and improve oral health outcomes in this vulnerable group.