The role of online social capital in oral health-related quality of life among adolescents

Background Social capital plays a key role in health outcomes, including oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). With increased digital interactions, online social capital has emerged as a potential determinant of adolescent well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between online social capital and OHRQoL among adolescents. Methods This is a cross-sectional study nested within a cohort study initiated in 2010 with a representative sample of preschool children from Brazil. Individuals were re-evaluated from 2022–2023, totaling 12 years of follow-up. The analyzed sample included 406 adolescents who were re-evaluated during the follow-up. OHRQoL was assessed via the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ 11–14). Online social capital was assessed through the following question: "How often do you use social networks (e.g., Instagram or WhatsApp) to communicate with friends or family?" and "Do you communicate online (e.g., Instagram or WhatsApp) whom you trust to help you solve your problems?". Offline social capital and demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical variables were considered confounders. Adjusted Poisson analysis was used to assess the associations. The results are reported as the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Most (95.3%) used social media every day or almost every day, and 62.9% reported having someone they could trust online. The mean CPQ-11–14 score was 10.9 (SD 8.1). Our findings indicated that adolescents with low levels of online social trust presented CPQ11–14 mean scores 8% higher (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.15) than their counterparts did, suggesting poorer OHRQoL. The frequency of social media use was not associated with OHRQoL. Conclusions We conclude that online social trust can positively affect adolescents' subjective oral health.