Prevalence of Elder Abuse by Family Members and its Related Factors in Gonabad, Iran

Abstract

Objectives Elder abuse is one of the major social health problems in communities which has significant effects on decreasing their health and safety. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of elder abuse by family members and its related factors in Gonabad, Iran. Methods & Materials This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 401 elderly people in Gonabad, Iran. Who were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire including a demographic form and the questionnaire of elder abuse by family members. The questionnaires were completed in a community health center. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 23, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 68.53±6.75 years. The prevalence of elder abuse by family members was 44.6%. The highest prevalence of elder abuse was related to care negligence and the lowest prevalence was related to rejection. The educational level (P=0.03), history of hospitalization (P<0.001), sleep quality (P<0.001), income level (P<0.001) and level of dependency (P<0.001) had a statistically significant relationship with the prevalence of elder abuse by family members. Conclusion Given the high prevalence of elder abuse in Gonabad city, it seems necessary to have programs to increase the awareness of the elderly, their caregivers, and health personnel to prevent and reduce elder abuse.

Prevalence of Self-reported Domestic Elder Abuse and Its Relation with Personality Traits of Older People and Their Family Caregivers

“…Other studies confirmed that a low education level was a risk factor for increased incidence of EA. 47 , 75 , 85 , 87 , 90 - 91 This finding is not consistent with those of other studies. 44 , 89 This may be because educational level is important for promoting health behaviors, seeking social support, obtaining rights, and stating opinions.…”

“…This result is consistent with the findings of other studies showing that the lower the older people's income/the less skilled the individual is, the more EA occurs. 87,91 The illiterate older people experienced caregiver abuse in the family more than their educated counterparts. Other studies confirmed that a low education level was a risk factor for increased incidence of EA.…”

“…The prevalence of EA reported by different researchers in Iran ranges from 34.2% to 77.9%. 45 , 46 , 55 , 86 , 87 The lower rate of EA reported in Western research compared to Iranian research can be seen as a result of cultural factors such as social etiquette, the importance of the family institution and the role of parents in Eastern, Iranian and Islamic cultures, which leads to greater expectations of good behavior toward older people, so they consider any shortcoming as EA.…”

“…This result is consistent with the findings of other studies showing that the lower the older people’s income/the less skilled the individual is, the more EA occurs. 87 , 91 …”

Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Its Related Factors in Isfahan, Iran

“…Recent articles from various regions in Iran indicate prevalence rates of elder abuse at 78% (10), 44.6% (11), 75.4% (12), and 55.2% (13). Recognizing the importance of the elderly population and their significant impact on society, particularly as our population ages, prompted our study design to address the lack of data on elder abuse in Isfahan.…”