The prevalence of lifetime abuse among older adults in seven European countries

Bahareh Eslami (), Eija Viitasara, Gloria Macassa, Maria Gabriella Melchiorre, Jutta Lindert, Mindaugas Stankunas, Francisco Torres-Gonzalez, Henrique Barros, Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou and Joaquim J. F. Soares
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Bahareh Eslami: Mid Sweden University
Eija Viitasara: Mid Sweden University
Gloria Macassa: Mid Sweden University
Maria Gabriella Melchiorre: Italian National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, I.N.R.C.A
Jutta Lindert: Department of Public Health, University of Emden
Mindaugas Stankunas: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Francisco Torres-Gonzalez: University of Granada
Henrique Barros: University of Porto Medical School
Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou: National School of Public Health
Joaquim J. F. Soares: Mid Sweden University

International Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 61, issue 8, No 6, 901 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To investigate the lifetime prevalence rate of abuse among older persons and to scrutinize the associated factors (e.g. demographics). Methods This cross-sectional population-based study had 4467 participants, aged 60–84, from seven European cities. Abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial and injuries) was measured based on The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, and the UK survey of abuse/neglect of older people. Results Over 34 % of participants reported experiencing lifetime psychological, 11.5 % physical, 18.5 % financial and 5 % sexual abuse and 4.3 % reported injuries. Lifetime psychological abuse was associated with country, younger age, education and alcohol consumption; physical abuse with country, age, not living in partnership; injuries with country, female sex, age, education, not living in partnership; financial abuse with country, age, not living in partnership, education, benefiting social/partner income, drinking alcohol; and sexual abuse with country, female sex and financial strain. Conclusions High lifetime prevalence rates confirm that elder abuse is a considerable public health problem warranting further longitudinal studies. Country of residence is an independent factor associated with all types of elder abuse which highlights the importance of national interventions alongside international collaborations.

Keywords: Determinant; Elder abuse; Financial; Injuries; Psychological; Sexual (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0816-x

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