Oral Health, Loneliness and Social Isolation. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Thus far, some empirical studies have investigated the association between oral health and loneliness as well as social isolation. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis is lacking synthesizing this evidence. Hence, our purpose was to close this knowledge gap.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting and participants

Observational studies examining the association between oral health and loneliness or social isolation were included. Disease-specific samples were excluded.

Methods

We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL), and did an additional hand search. Data extraction covered methods, sample characteristics and main findings. To evaluate study quality/risk of bias, the NIH tool was used. Study selection,

SUBMITTER: Hajek A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9166168 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature