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

Jun 6, 2022Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society

Elder abuse, related factors, and its link to life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study

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Abstract

16.0% of older adults in the study experienced abuse, with psychological abuse being the most common at 6.92%.

According to the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale, the types of reported abuse included psychological (6.92%), physical (6.6%), neglect (1.8%), economic (1.5%), and sexual (1.5%).
The Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test indicated that 22.9% of participants experienced abuse.
Abuse is primarily perpetrated by spouses, children, and relatives of the elderly.
A negative correlation exists between the H-S/EAST score and life satisfaction, as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale.
Uneducated elderly individuals are more likely to experience abuse compared to those with primary education.
Older adults living in extended families or alone report higher rates of abuse compared to those living in nuclear families.

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BACKGROUND: 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.

METHOD: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.

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