Risk Factors For Elder Abuse Research Articles

Elder abuse risk factors: the interactive effect of cognition and functionality

PurposeRisk assessment in elder abuse is usually considered an additive process; risk factors are viewed as independent, and the higher the number of risk factors, the higher the risk. This study aims to explore the effect of the interaction between cognitive structures (episodic memory, perceptual speed, verbal fluency, executive function) and functional dependency on elder abuse.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from 62 participants, aged between 64 and 94 years old, in the Minho region of Portugal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to apply the assessment procedures.FindingsResults showed that emotional abuse is predicted by episodic memory and phonemic fluency, financial abuse by perceptual speed and phonemic fluency and neglect by perceptual speed. Moderation analysis showed that these effects were greater for older adults with higher dependence on movement and lower dependence on hygiene and daily organization. This study supports the hypothesis that the risk of elder abuse is interactive, highlighting a limitation of current risk assessment procedures.Originality/valueThe current study explores the possibility of risk factors for elder abuse interacting. Understanding how risk factors interact can help to design more accurate measures of the risk of elder abuse.

Using the ecological approach to explain risk factors of elder abuse in Iran (A qualitative study).

World Health Organization suggests that different societies should investigate the causes of abuse in their culture. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of elder abuse in Iran using an ecological approach. This is a qualitative study, and the participants were older adults and caregivers. The data were collected using 66 interviews. Analysis of data was simultaneously performed with data collection, using MAXQDA 10, and results were reported based on Elo's recommendation. Five main categories of data analysis were obtained based on Bronfenbrenner's model: exo-system: conflict of care with caregivers' jobs, meso-system: failure to meet expectations of support systems, macro-system: social culture, socioeconomic structure, status of enactment, and implementation of legal and financial laws. This study showed risk factors of elder abuse in the sociocultural context of Iran, and its results can be used for health promotion interventions.

Determining patterns and types of violence against the elderly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Reports indicate an increase in the incidence of violence against the elderly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aimed to determine the types and risk factors of elder abuse in KSA. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted of abuse among the elderly (65 years and older; n = 128) reported in the National Family Safety Registry (NFSR) between April 2017 and December 2021. Most cases involved women (65.6%) and married individuals (54.7%). Physical abuse was the most common type (44.5%), followed by neglect (34.4%). Men, married individuals, people without family support, and people with physical disabilities were more likely to experience physical abuse. Elderly people, single individuals, women, and those lacking family support showed an increased likelihood of neglect. Preventive strategies should be implemented through awareness raising, capacity building, resource allocation, and the exchange of multidisciplinary good practices across sectors.

DISRUPTED SOCIAL LIFE MEDIATES ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PANDEMIC WORRIES AND RISK OF ELDER ABUSE

Abstract Social isolation is an important risk factor for elder abuse. This study investigated the mediating effects of pandemic-related disruptions of social life between worry about the pandemic and risk of elder abuse. A total of 1078 community dwelling older persons participated in this community survey. They provided information on their demographics, worry about the pandemic, pandemic related disruptions of social life, and risk of elder abuse as measured by a 10-item scale derived from Dong et al. (2015). Participants age ranged from 60 to 100 (mean= 76.2, SD=7.9), majority of them were female (81.6%), single, divorced or widowed (52.8%). Prevalence of risk of abuse was high (21.5%), with the most prevalent type being family conflicts at home (16.6%), followed by feeling uncomfortable with someone in the family (8.1%). Participants who were not in a marital relationship, of larger household, reported feeling worried about the pandemic and felt their social life disrupted were at greater risk of abuse. Logistic regression results show that pandemic related disruptions of social life partially mediated the association between worry about the pandemic and risk of abuse. In the final model, participants who reported feeling worry about the pandemic and those who reported that the pandemic has caused disruptions in their social life were at greater odds of reporting risk of abuse (OR=1.14 and 1.13 respectively, p<.05). The effects of the former diminished after the latter was entered into the model. This finding highlights the importance of social life in protecting older persons against abuse.

SELF-COMPASSION, DAILY STRESS APPRAISALS, AND ODDS OF ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVING

Abstract Stress related to behavioral symptoms is often found to be a risk factor for elder abuse and neglect in dementia family caregiving. The stress-process model suggests that stressful events alone do not determine caregiving outcomes, rather, they are impacted by personal factors which influence the response to stress. Self-compassion represents how one responds to themselves in moments of distress, with compassionate self-responding consisting of treating oneself with self-kindness (vs. judgement), feelings of common humanity (vs. isolation), and mindful awareness (vs. overidentification). Self-compassion is a modifiable intervention target with efficacious interventions available. We hypothesize that self-compassion can buffer the effects of daily stress on a caregiver’s likelihood of using abusive and neglectful behaviors. To test this hypothesis, a generalized linear mixed model with days (n=9513) nested in dementia family caregivers (N=453) was used. Self-compassion was measured at baseline with the Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, and daily stress appraisal of behavioral symptoms and occurrences of elder abuse and neglect were measured on 21 sequential daily diary surveys. Having higher self-compassion reduced the likelihood of a caregiver using abusive and neglectful behaviors on a given day by 40% (p=0.001, CI 0.45-0.80). Daily stress appraisal of behavioral symptoms significantly increased the odds of abuse and neglect (OR 1.05, CI 1.02-1.09, p=0.002), while the interaction term showed self-compassion significantly lowered the effect of daily stress (OR 1.01, CI 1-1.02, p=0.029). Given the large effect size, self-compassion should be a priority area for future interventions to reduce elder abuse and neglect in dementia family caregiving.

Sexual Orientation and Risk for Elder Abuse: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

This study addresses knowledge gaps concerning prevalence and risk factors for elder abuse among sexual minority (SM) compared to heterosexual Canadians aged 65+. Data derive from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national cohort study. Outcome variables include self-reports of psychological, physical, or financial abuse in the 12 months before interview and overall. Main explanatory variables are sexual orientation and gender identity; covariates include other socio-demographic characteristics, general and mental health. Overall prevalence of elder abuse was 10.0% among heterosexual and 12.0% among SM participants, with highest prevalence (18.1%) among SM females. The most common subtype was psychological abuse (8.8%), with highest prevalence among SM females (15.5%) followed by financial (1.4%), also with highest prevalence among SM females (7.0%). Physical abuse was least common (1.3%), with highest prevalence (2.4%) among SM males. Bivariate associations showed higher odds of experiencing psychological, financial and overall abuse among SM compared to heterosexual individuals (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.41, 3.33 and 1.53, respectively), however within multivariable logistic regression models, sexual orientation was a significant predictor only for financial abuse (OR = 2.62). Our study is among the first to determine prevalence of elder abuse among SM older adults, and examine the interplay of gender identity and sexual orientation with other risk factors. Findings suggest divergent risk across gender and sexual orientation groups and abuse subtypes. Implications include addressing gaps in reporting and need to build capacity and agency for prevention and action, especially among SM females.

Prevalence and risk factors of elder abuse in survivors of stroke: A cross-sectional study.

The understanding of the prevalence and risk factors associated with elder abuse in stroke survivors is currently lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study is to ascertain the prevalence and potential risk factors of elder abuse in stroke survivors, while also examining its correlation with insomnia. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 485 stroke survivors aged 65 years and older, who received treatment at the Emergency department of Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, were subjected to face-to-face interviews using the questionnaire on elder abuse from the Third Survey on Chinese Women's Social Status. A logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between risk factors and elder abuse among stroke survivors. 62.27% of the participants reported experiencing elder abuse, with 14.85% of them indicating suffering from more than two subtypes of abuse. Factors such as residing in nursing homes, lower income, and smoking were found to increase the likelihood of experiencing elder abuse and all four subtypes of abuse. Additionally, advancing age was associated with a higher risk of experiencing all four subtypes of abuse, although it did not affect the occurrence of overall abuse. It is worth noting that the self-reported prevalence of the four types of abuse by the elderly themselves was higher compared to the reports provided by caregivers. Elder abuse is prevalent among stroke survivors, especially those who are residing in nursing homes, with lower income, and smokers. Elder abuse significantly increased the prevalence of insomnia in stroke survivors. Further research is needed to better explore effective measures to reduce the prevalence of elder abuse of stroke survivors.

Interpersonal Risk Factors of Elder Abuse in Iran (A Qualitative Study)

Interpersonal Risk Factors of Elder Abuse in Iran (A Qualitative Study)

Contextual Factors Associated with Abuse of Home-Dwelling Persons with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study of Informal Caregivers.

One in six community-dwelling older adults experience elder abuse yearly, and persons with dementia are especially at risk. Although many risk factors for elder abuse have been identified, there are still knowledge gaps concerning risk and protective factors. This cross-sectional survey among Norwegian informal caregivers (ICGs) aimed to find individual, relational, and community factors associated with psychological and physical abuse of home-dwelling persons with dementia. This study involved 540 ICGs and was conducted from May to December 2021. Statistical analysis using penalized logistic regression with lasso was performed to find covariates associated with psychological and physical elder abuse. The most prominent risk factor for both subtypes of abuse was the caregiver being a spouse. In addition, risk factors for psychological abuse were having a higher caregiver burden, experiencing psychological aggression from the person with dementia, and the person with dementia being followed up by their general practitioner. For physical abuse, the protective factors were the ICG being female and having an assigned personal municipal health service contact, while the risk factors were the ICG attending a caregiver training program and experiencing physical aggression from the person with dementia and the person with dementia having a higher degree of disability. These findings add to the existing knowledge of risk and protective factors in elder abuse among home-dwelling persons with dementia. This study provides relevant knowledge for healthcare personnel working with persons with dementia and their caregivers and for the development of interventions to prevent elder abuse.

Arabic-speaking Older Immigrants’ Views on Risk Factors for Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a central concern in Canada’s aging population. Our qualitative findings from a mixed methods study on risk factors for elder abuse in Toronto Arabic-speaking immigrant communities identified key risk factors that make these older adults vulnerable to elder abuse. These factors intersect at the individual (e.g., language barrier), community (e.g., discrimination), and societal (e.g., lack of access to employment) levels. The results can inform strategies to mitigate elder abuse in Arabic-speaking communities.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elder Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Abstract Background Elder abuse has evolved into a global public health and human rights issue. COVID-19 had a significant impact on Egypt’s economic development and style of life. Aim This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse in the Fayoum Governorate of Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the prevalence of different elder abuse subtypes and study the effect of different demographic characteristics on these abuse subtypes. Methods This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey among 201 older adults aged 60 and above in the Fayoum Governorate. The structured questionnaire used in the study had three sections demographic characteristics, the Hwalek–Sengstock elder abuse screening test, and the Questions to Elicit Elder Abuse screening tool. Results This research documented that the prevalence of elder abuse was (72.6%) and the most prevalent types were emotional and neglect abuse (71.1% and 64.7%, respectively). In our study, 22.9% of older adults were exposed to a single type of abuse, 29.9% to two types, 26.9% to three types, and 10.4% to four types. Female is significantly higher than male abuse exposure (66.7% vs. 33.3%). 52.4% versus 7.1% were more likely to be abused than elderly persons who earn enough income. Conclusion According to this study, emotional and neglect abuse were the most common types of elder abuse. Risk factors for elder abuse included being between the ages of 60 and 70 years, being a woman, residing in a rural location, being illiterate, jobless, married, earning little money, and belonging to a middle-class socioeconomic group. For the general public to better comprehend the consequences of elder abuse on their health and human rights, awareness and education must be increased.

INVESTIGATING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AGEISM AND ELDER ABUSE

Abstract Elder abuse is recognized as a pervasive public health problem with detrimental consequences for older adults and society. Although considerable research has examined elder abuse risk factors at the individual level, there is a growing call for the field to move beyond proximal causes and consider broader socio-cultural and structural factors that influence elder abuse. Illustrating this shift, organizations, advocacy groups and researchers have proposed a connection between ageism and elder abuse. However, despite the assertion that ageism is a causal factor for elder abuse, there is a scarcity of research to demonstrate this relationship, and a coherent theoretical framework linking ageism to elder abuse remains to be articulated. The purpose of the current study was to examine the conceptual pathways and limited empirical research connecting ageism and elder abuse, and to develop a conceptual model that links ageism and elder abuse. We conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of the ageism/elder abuse literature, as well as research from other domains of interpersonal/family violence. Based on this synthesis, the proposed model includes plausible mediators (social isolation, devaluation, depersonalization, infantilization, powerlessness, blame) and moderators (intersection with socio-cultural identities, internalized ageism, policy/social norms) that could be targeted as mechanisms of change in interventions designed to address the issue. As such, it provides a framework for hypothesis-testing and future research on the topic. This study informs a research agenda to bring conceptual clarity and empirical evidence to the study of the connection between ageism and elder abuse.

Abuse and risk factors among community-dwelling elderly in South Korea during COVID-19

ABSTRACT Elder abuse is a serious social problem in South Korea. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of elder abuse during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By using the 2020 Living Profiles of Older People Survey in Seoul Metropolitan City and considering sociodemographic, health-related, social support, and isolation factors as independent variables, a logistic regression model was established. Among 3,106 samples, the overall rate of elder abuse was 8.5%, with emotional abuse being the most frequent. Social isolation (OR = 1.47, p = .018) and recognition of abuse (OR = 0.90, p = .003) were associated with having experienced abuse. Seniors with a greater number of diseases, higher levels of dependency, depressive symptoms, and/or cognitive impairments were more likely to suffer abuse, as were those who smoked or drank alcohol. To prevent elder abuse by social isolation during and after COVID-19, more active health promotion programs and healthy aging policies should be implemented.

Arabic-speaking older immigrants’ perceived acceptability of interventions for preventing elder abuse

Objective: Although research has identified interventions to address risk factors for elder abuse, it is unclear which interventions are relevant to specific immigrant communities. This study examined how Arabic-speaking immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area perceived the acceptability of interventions for elder abuse and explored gender differences in these perceptions. Methods: Older women and men (N = 37) who self-identify as Arabic-speaking immigrants residing in the Greater Toronto Area rated the acceptability of 14 interventions. The literature describes these interventions as addressing the risk factors for elder abuse as reported at the levels of older adults, the family, their relationship, and the social environment. Four items, adapted from a validated measure, were used to assess the interventions’ acceptability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (objective 1) and independent sample t-test (objective 2). Results: Arabic-speaking older immigrants perceived five interventions to prevent elder abuse in their community as highly acceptable: case management, community outreach, advocacy, community-outreach programs, and peer-support programs. Gender differences were found for four interventions: two interventions (case management and community outreach) targeted older adults, one intervention (education) targeted the family, and one (advocacy) focused on the social environment. Conclusion: Findings can inform service providers, managers, and policymakers about which interventions must be prioritized to address elder abuse in the Arabic-speaking immigrant community.

Elderly abuse, affecting factors and evaluation of life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of abuse and its effect on life satisfaction in older adults living in our region. This research is a cross-sectional study. The participants of the study were an elderly population who applied to one 'family health centre'. The study was completed with the participation of 332 people. The study was carried out between June and July 2021. A questionnaire form, Geriatric Mistreatment Scale (GMS), Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study. According to the GMS, 16.0% of the participants experience abuse. Psychological abuse (6.92%) was the highest according to the GMS sub-dimensions. This was followed by physical abuse (6.6%), neglect (1.8%), economic abuse (1.5%), and sexual abuse (1.5%). According to H-S/EAST, 22.9% of participants experience abuse. The perpetrators of abuse are mostly spouses, children and relatives of the elderly. There is a negative correlation between the H-S/EAST score and the SWLS score. Uneducated elderly people are exposed to abuse more than primary education graduates. Compared to the elderly living in a nuclear family, more abuse is seen in extended families and those living alone. The fact that the houses in which the elderly live are not physically suitable increases the risk of abuse. Identifying and trying to minimise local risk factors for elder abuse can help reduce the prevalence of abuse. We hope that these data will be a guide for future intervention studies.

The revictimization of older Mexican women: understanding the accumulation of multiple victimizations throughout a lifetime

BackgroundThe victimization of women constitutes a human rights violation and a health risk factor. The central objectives of this study were to analyze the probability of revictimization among older adult Mexican women and to examine whether child abuse (CA) and/or intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with a greater risk of elder abuse (EA) victimization.MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of 18416 women 60 and older, based on data from the National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (2016), which is national and subnational representative. A descriptive analysis was carried out using retrospective self-reports of victimization experiences (CA, IPV, and EA). The prevalence of victimization and multiple victimizations in the various stages of the lives of women, as well as of revictimization among older adult women were obtained. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between victimization, multiple victimization, and EA victimization.ResultsA total of 17.3% of the older adult women reported EA in the last year; of these, 81.0% had been revictimized and 14.0% reported CA, IPV, and EA. The risk of EA rose among women who reported a combination of psychological and sexual CA, and psychological, physical and sexual CA and psychological and sexual IPV, and a psychological, economic, physical and sexual IPV. EA was higher among women who had suffered more than one type of violence.ConclusionCA and IPV, particularly sexual abuse and psychological violence, can be risk factors for EA. Screening tools used to prevent and detect EA should include questions about domestic violence over the course of a person’s lifetime.

Perceived Frequency and Importance of Elder Abuse Risk Factors in Arabic-Speaking Immigrant Communities

Perceived Frequency and Importance of Elder Abuse Risk Factors in Arabic-Speaking Immigrant Communities

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Elderly Abuse: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The prevalence of elderly abuse varies between 2.2% and 30.1% in European countries. There is a limited number of studies that have investigated elderly abuse in Turkey. The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence and risk factors of elder abuse, identify the factors that can affect elderly abuse, and assess the possible measures to prevent this problem.
 Methods: We stratified the districts enrolled in family health centers to ensure that participants were from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds of Edirne and formed a representative sample of 211 people. In addition to sociodemographic characteristics, our survey consisted of the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test, the Geriatric Depression Scale-short form, the Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination, the Barthel Index for activities of daily living, and the Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale.
 Results: The prevalence of elderly abuse was determined as 9.9%, and high abuse risk was 15.2%. We found that abuse risk was higher among older people who had no social security, lived alone, were abused physically or emotionally before, reported having bad family relations, and had fewer rooms at home which leads to a lack of privacy. Furthermore, we found significant relationships between abuse risk and the depression score.
 Conclusion: Elderly abuse is a risk for every person regardless of gender, education level, and economic status. As an invisible problem for societies, elderly abuse brings a great burden by leading to the loss of physical, mental, and psychological health. Preventive measures should be the primary goal. All results suggest that governments, non-governmental organizations, and health care providers should combat this problem by increasing patient literacy and ensuring lifestyle changes.

Elder abuse in the oldest old: prevalence, risk factors and consequences.

BackgroundExperiences of abuse in relationships with an expectation of trust are a common phenomenon among older people and is called elder abuse (EA). This can take various forms, such as physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual abuse or neglect. Due to their high vulnerability and difficulties in receiving support, people aged over 80 years old have been pointed out as a group that needs special focus in research.ObjectivePrevalence, risk factors and consequences of EA for different aspects of quality of life are explored among the oldest old.Material and methodsComputer-assisted personal interviews were conducted in a representative sample of the oldest old in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). 988 self-report interviews without third persons present of the NRW80+ study are used to assess EA with the help of the elder abuse and emotional consequences scale (EACS). The EACS describes EA in six dimensions that give a broad understanding of EA.ResultsPrevalence of experiences of EA within the last 12 months was 54.1%. In logistic regression, multimorbidity, lower functioning, age below 90 years, smaller social network size, and aggressive behaviorwere significant risk factors for EA. People experiencing EA showed less life satisfaction and autonomy and increased loneliness and depressive symptoms.ConclusionEA is prevalent among the oldest old. Serious consequences of EA on life results can be shown with a broad operationalization of EA. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of reasons for EA and reflect on the relationship between and the perspectives of perpetrators and victims.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00391-021-01945-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of elder abuse and victim-related risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

BackgroundWith the accelerated aging of the Chinese population, elder abuse has become a serious social problem. As COVID-19 has had a very large impact on economic development and lifestyle in China, it has also affected elder abuse. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify changes in risk factors for elder abuse in the context of COVID-19.MethodsWe designed a cross-sectional study. In Hunan Province, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among elderly people over 65 years of age. To ensure the consistency of the measurement standards, we used the elder abuse questionnaire from the “Third Survey on Chinese Women’s Social Status.” According to related research, we selected 10 victim-related risk factors as independent variables. A logistic regression model was established to analyze the relationship between the independent variables and the four kinds of abuse.ResultsWe collected 10,362 samples from Hunan Province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of financial abuse and neglect was significantly higher than that in 2010. Income had a significant impact on the four types of abuse. The lower the income was, the greater the risk of abuse. Moreover, factors such as an older age, being a woman, a lower cognitive ability, and not having a cohabiting spouse increased the possibility of abuse. The greater the number of children was, the greater the risks of physical abuse, financial abuse, and elder neglect. Seniors with higher education levels, those who frequently participated in social activities, and those with religious beliefs were less likely to suffer abuse.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 epidemic, the prevalence of elder abuse in China has increased, which may be related to economic instability and social distancing measures. Increasing the income of the elderly and giving them more social support are important measures to reduce the prevalence of elder abuse.