The elder physical abuse reflected in judicial authorities in Eskisehir

Evaluation of Violence Against Elderly People of Different Cultures by Using The "Purnell Model for Cultural Competence"

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the violence against the elderly from different cultures by using “The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence.”

Method

The study population comprised of elderly people residing in a city in the Eastern Anatolia, the Southeastern Anatolia, and the Marmara Region. This is a qualitative study employing a purposeful sampling method. Data were gathered using questions to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, a semi-structured interview form prepared in accordance with “The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence,” and the question form consisting of questions to determine the violence against the elderly. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and by means of recording, as well as recordkeeping. Permissions were obtained from the ethics committee, and written and verbal consents were obtained from the elderly to be interviewed before the study. Data were evaluated using the descriptive data analysis methods.

Results

The study revealed that the elderly people were commonly exposed to psychological violence, whereas there was an elderly person subjected to physical violence. Seven elderly persons in the Southeastern Anatolia and three elderly persons in the Marmara Region expressed that they were exposed to psychological violence. Nonetheless, no indications were observed of economic and sexual violence among the elderly in both groups.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that nurses should not ignore the cultural characteristics in the fight against violence against the elderly.

Prevalence of violence against older adults and associated factors in Çanakkale, Turkey: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against older adults and the associated risk factors in Çanakkale, Turkey.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out, including 1230 individuals aged ≥65 years living in the city of Çanakkale, Turkey. The population of the study consisted of 73 367 individuals aged ≥65 years, living in Çanakkale. Sample selection was made with the one-step cluster sampling method. The data were collected by face-to-face interview. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written consent was taken from the participants.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 4.1% had experienced physical violence, 2.5% were subjected to sexual abuse, 23.5% had undergone psychological violence and 12.2% had a history of economic violence. The exposure to any of the given violence types was 28.5%. Risk factors related to violence were being married, having children, educated partner, lack of economic independence, poor self-perceived health, administration of medications by others, feeling lonely, dissatisfaction with life, poor perception of family relations and not participating in family decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that violence against older adults is a significant problem in a city in western Turkey. Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of the determined risk factors related to violence and actions for its prevention are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 66-71.