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Iborra-Marmolejo I, Aded-Aniceto C, Moret-Tatay C, Bernabé-Valero G, Jorques-Infante MJ, Beneyto-Arrojo MJ. Unmasking Elder Abuse: Depression and Dependency in the Post-Pandemic Era. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1476. [PMID: 39120179 PMCID: PMC11311356 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze elder abuse in people over 65 years of age and its relationship with some risk factors-depression symptoms, dependency, gender and age-in the Spanish population. METHODS A battery of questionnaires was administered to a sample of 167 participants electronically (M = 72.42; SD = 6.46), including the Abbreviated Yesavage Scale to assess depression, the Katz Index for Basic Activities of Daily Living to assess dependency, and the American Medical Association and the Canadian Task Force Questionnaire to assess suspicion of abuse. RESULTS A prevalence of 40.72% of suspected abuse, of 5.99% of established depression, and of 1.20% of severe dependence was obtained. The prevalence of abuse was higher in the population with dependency (75%) than without dependency (37%). In the case of depression, the prevalence of abuse was 70% for people with established depression and 35.4% for people without depression. CONCLUSION Women have higher rates of abuse than men, although this difference is not statistically significant. The same occurs with age. Nevertheless, having established depression and dependency are confirmed risk factors for suffering abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Iborra-Marmolejo
- Meb Lab, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Avenida de la Ilustración 2, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.A.-A.); (C.M.-T.); (G.B.-V.); (M.J.B.-A.)
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Carmona-Torres JM, Carvalhal R, Gálvez-Rioja RM, Ruiz-Gandara Á, Goergen T, Rodríguez-Borrego MA. Elder Abuse in the Iberian Peninsula and Bolivia: A Multicountry Comparative Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2020; 35:4303-4326. [PMID: 29294793 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517713712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of abuse of vulnerable older persons in the family and community environment in the following regions-Spain (Andalusia-Córdoba), Portugal (Azores), and Bolivia (Santa Cruz de la Sierra)-and to identify risk factors and delineate a profile of abused older persons. For this, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of people in the age group 65 years plus living in the catchment areas of health centers. The following were used as instruments to collect data: the medical record of the patients of relevant health centers, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), daily activities autonomy test, adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve (APGAR) familiar test, The Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI) and the Social Work Evaluation Form. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with abuse. Suspected abuse was identified in 6.9% of the elderly who participated in the study in Spain, 39% in Bolivia, and 24.5% in Azores. In all areas, studied psychological abuse was the most common type of abuse. In conclusion, although the prevalence of abuse to older people in the family and community environment differs in the areas studied, it is present in all countries and the data are comparable with other developing and European countries. The profile of the abused older persons appears to be similar in all countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba, Spain
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Mª Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba, Spain
- University of Córdoba, Spain
- University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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Orfila F, Coma-Solé M, Cabanas M, Cegri-Lombardo F, Moleras-Serra A, Pujol-Ribera E. Family caregiver mistreatment of the elderly: prevalence of risk and associated factors. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:167. [PMID: 29357866 PMCID: PMC5778739 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detection of elder mistreatment is emerging as a public health priority; however, abusive behaviors exercised by caregivers are little known and rarely detected among primary health care professionals. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of risk of abuse against community-residing elderly with moderate to severe dependency whose caregivers are relatives. In addition, we aim to describe the association between such a risk and socio-demographic variables, cognitive and dependency state of the victim, and the scale of the caregiver's anxiety, depression, and burden. METHODS Cross-sectional study developed in 72 Primary Health Care teams from Barcelona, Spain. Participants were caregivers and their dependent care recipients (N = 829). Home interviews included the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE); self-reported abuse from care recipient; activities of daily living and cognitive state of the care recipient; anxiety and depression in caregivers and Caregiver Burden Scale. The relationship prior to the dependency, positive aspects of caregiving, and social support for the caregiver were also assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression with risk of abuse as dependent variable. RESULTS Caregivers were mainly women (82.8%) with a mean age of 63.3 years. Caregivers and care recipients lived in the same household in 87.4% of cases, and 86.6% had enjoyed a good previous relationship. Care recipients were women (65.6%), with a mean age of 84.2 years, and 64.2% had moderate to severe cognitive impairment. CASE demonstrated a prevalence of 33.4% (95% CI: 30.3-36.7) of abuse risk by the caregiver. Logistic regression showed as statistically significant: caregiver burden (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.74-4.33), caregiver anxiety (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.40-3.02), caregiver perception of aggressive behavior in the care recipient (OR = 7.24; 95% CI: 4.99-10.51), and a bad previous relationship (OR = 4.66; 95% CI: 1.25-17.4). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of risk of abuse is high among family caregivers. Our study has found risk factors in family caregivers that are preventable to an extent, namely: anxiety and feelings of burden. It is essential to become aware of these risk factors and their causes to intervene and help primary as well secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Orfila
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primaria Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007, Barcelona, Spain. .,Gerència Territorial Barcelona Ciutat. Institut Catala de la Salut, Balmes 22, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Coma-Solé
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Les Planes. Gerència Territorial Metropolitana Sud. Institut Catala de la Salut, 08970, Sant Joan Despí, Spain
| | - Marta Cabanas
- Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, Esteve Terradas, 30, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Cegri-Lombardo
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Sant Martí. Gerència Territorial Barcelona Ciutat. Institut Catala de la Salut, Fluvià, 211, 08020, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Moleras-Serra
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primaria Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Enriqueta Pujol-Ribera
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primaria Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.,Gerència Territorial Barcelona Ciutat. Institut Catala de la Salut, Balmes 22, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
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Carmona-Torres JM, López-Soto PJ, Coimbra-Roca AI, Gálvez-Rioja RM, Goergen T, Rodríguez-Borrego MA. Elder Abuse in a Developing Area in Bolivia. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2018; 33:339-356. [PMID: 26442955 DOI: 10.1177/0886260515608803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In many parts of the world, elder abuse happens almost unnoticed. Until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from public view and was regarded as an essentially private matter. However, there is growing evidence that elder abuse is an important problem of public health and in the society. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of abuse of elder and vulnerable people in the families and communities of Eastern Bolivia. With this end in mind, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 210 60-year-old people coming from different health care areas. Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI) and Yaffe's Evaluation Form of Social Work were used. An abuse rate of 39% of the older adults was identified. The most common type of abuse observed was psychological abuse (32.4% of cases), followed by neglect (21.9%). Children were identified as triggers of the abuse in 66.7% of cases of abuse. The prevalence of elder abuse was similar to the prevalence of other types of abuse that exist in Bolivia, such as the gender-based abuse. Also, this prevalence is comparable to other developing countries and European countries. The profile of abused older adult is as follows: woman, widow, 70 years old, incomplete primary education, without an occupation, and an average of 4.59 children. The information obtained shows that dysfunctional families have a higher percentage of elder abuse.
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Carmona-Torres JM, Carvalhal-Silva RM, Viera-Mendes MH, Recio-Andrade B, Goergen T, Rodríguez-Borrego MA. Elder abuse within the family environment in the Azores Islands. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2017. [PMCID: PMC5614239 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.1871.2932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: to dimension abuse against vulnerable adults within the family and community
environment in the Azores Islands, identify risk factors for abuse and describe
the profile of an abused elder. Method: descriptive cross-sectional study. Random sampling. The instruments used were:
clinical histories of the users, Mini-Mental State Examination, Index of
Independence in Basic Activities of Daily Living, Family APGAR Scale, Elder Abuse
Suspicion Index and Social Work Assessment Form. Descriptive statistical analysis
was used for qualitative and quantitative variables and multiple logistic
regression was used to identify factors associated with elder mistreatment. Results: abuse suspicion was identified in 24.5% of elderly participants. Psychological
abuse was the most common type of abuse and sons were the main abusers. Conclusion: being a woman and belonging to a dysfunctional family is associated with an
increased risk of becoming a victim of abuse; the high level of domestic violence
against the elderly in the Azores Islands is in line with the rest of
Portugal.
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Gómez Martínez C, Hernández Morante JJ, Carrasco Martínez E, García Belzunce A, Nicolás Alarcón V. [Factors associated with non-institutional abuse in nursing homes]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2016; 51:317-322. [PMID: 27130151 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abuse in elderly has dimensions not yet sufficiently explored. Particularly, little is known about the abuse or mistreatment suffered by old people in nursing homes, but where the origin is not, at least initially, institutional, since is perpetrated by external social agents not related to the nursing home. The lack of data in this area has led us to conduct this exploratory study, with the aim of assessing the prevalence of this non-institutional abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Elder Abuse Suspicion Index was administered to a total of 286 subjects belonging to the nursing homes from the «Mensajeros de la Paz» Association of Murcia. Cases of suspected abuse were referred to the social workers to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS Initially, 53 subjects (18.5%) suffered any kind of abuse, which was reduced to only 26 cases after one year. On the other hand, abuse appeared after admission in 20 subjects (7%). Precisely, this 7% might present what we called non-institutional abuse. Economic abuse was the most prevalent, followed by psychological, neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. The data showed a significant interaction between the different types of abuse. CONCLUSIONS Our data provides evidence of a new scenario that must be addressed in a professional and social context, considering the environment where this mistreatment takes place. Health and social professionals must be sensitive to this reality, and should be informed and trained about the different ways to dignify the care of the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Gómez Martínez
- Asociación Mensajeros de la Paz, Murcia, España; Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, España.
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Kaur J, Kaur J, Sujata N. Comparative study on perceived abuse and social neglect among rural and urban geriatric population. Indian J Psychiatry 2015; 57:375-8. [PMID: 26816425 PMCID: PMC4711237 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.171852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Elder abuse and social neglect are unrecognized problem. Many forms of elder abuse exist including physical, psychological, financial, sexual and social neglect. Social neglect is experienced by elderly through loss of friends and family members. AIM Comparison of perceived abuse and social neglect among elderly residing in selected rural and urban areas. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Study setting was a rural area Pohir and urban area Jamalpur of district Ludhiana. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A sample of 200 subjects (100 subjects each from rural and urban area respectively) of age 60 years and above was drawn by cluster sampling technique and interview method was used to collect data by using Likert scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out with SPSS package. RESULTS Results of the present study revealed that perceived physical abuse (25%) was higher among elderly residing in rural and it was found significantly higher among female elderly who were illiterate, widow/widower and partially dependent on caregiver whereas perceived psychological abuse (71%), financial abuse (37%) and social neglect (74%) were higher among elderly residing in urban. A significant association was found between psychological abuse and educational status, which inferred that as the level of education increases perception of psychological abuse also increases. The perceived financial abuse was significantly higher among male elderly who were financially independent. CONCLUSION It was concluded that social neglect was most common, followed by psychological abuse and financial abuse among elderly residing in urban whereas physical abuse was more prevalent among elderly residing in rural.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur
- Department of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, Desh Bhagat University School of Nursing, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Jasbir Kaur
- Department of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - N Sujata
- Department of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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Pérez-Rojo G, Izal M, Montorio I, Regato P, Espinosa JM. [Prevalence of elder abuse in Spanish dwelling in community]. Med Clin (Barc) 2013; 141:522-6. [PMID: 23481870 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2012.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although elder abuse is not a new phenomenon, it remains hidden. There have been carried out various preliminary studies about the prevalence of elder abuse in different countries. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of suspicion of elder abuse in old persons without cognitive impairment, dwelling in community, who were attended in Primary Health Care or Social Services Centres. PATIENTS AND METHOD We carried out a transverse study in which 340 elders participated. RESULTS We found a 12.1% prevalence of suspicion of elder abuse. Psychological abuse suspicion was the most frequent type and it was very common the simultaneous presence of different types of abuse (psychological and physical and sexual). The suspicion of elder abuse was more frequent in women and spouses were responsible in a high great frequency. CONCLUSIONS The information obtained allows advancing in the knowledge of elder abuse in Spain, where the research about this issue is poor. However, the prevalence found neither has to be considered as a social alarm nor as a social slackness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Pérez-Rojo
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, España.
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Jürschik P, Viladrosa M, Botigué T, Lavedán A, Vena AB, Noguera T. [Prevalence and factors associated with suspected mistreatment in a geriatric unit in a hospital emergency area]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2013; 48:55-58. [PMID: 23337409 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To know the prevalence of mistreatment and to identify the associated factors among elderly people without cognitive impairment, seen in the geriatric unit, located in the hospital emergency area. METHODS Cross-sectional study of a population of 65 years or older assessed by the geriatric Interdisciplinary Social Welfare Functional Unit (ISSFU) of the emergency area in the Arnau de Vilanova hospital of Lleida. We excluded participants with cognitive impairment. The total number of participants was 127. The suspicion of mistreatment was measured using the Questionnaire of the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Canadian Task Force (CTF). The variables studied were social demographic characteristics and functional dependency. RESULTS Prevalence of suspicion of mistreatment was 29.1% (95% CI: 0.21-0.37). The most frequent subtypes were neglect and psychological, and less frequent was negligence. Associated factors were being female, being in unpaid work, being a widow and living alone. CONCLUSIONS Three out of ten elderly people were identified as possible victims of abuse. Due to the relative isolation of many of the elderly who were abused, an unexpected visit to the emergency area may be the only opportunity for detection. Geriatric units located in this area should include the suspicion of mistreatment of this population in their comprehensive assessment. For this, it is necessary to have tool with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for detection of abuse in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Jürschik
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultat de Enfermería, Universidad de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
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Garre-Olmo J, Planas-Pujol XÃ, López-Pousa S, Juvinyà D, Vilà A, Vilalta-Franch J. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Suspected Elder Abuse Subtypes in People Aged 75 and Older. J Am Geriatr Soc 2009; 57:815-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pérez-Cárceles MD, Rubio L, Pereniguez JE, Pérez-Flores D, Osuna E, Luna A. Suspicion of elder abuse in South Eastern Spain: the extent and risk factors. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2008; 49:132-7. [PMID: 18676036 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2008.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Elder abuse is recognized internationally as a growing problem. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of authors recommending that the MDs systematically question old people concerning possible abuse. The aim of our study was to ascertain the extent of suspicion of elder abuse and the different types of abuse. We design a cross-sectional survey including 460 patients > or = 65 years at different health centers (South East Spain). A face-to-face interview and a physical examination was carried out. Extent of suspected abuse was 44.6%. Female sex, > or = 75 years, widowhood, living alone or with children, accommodation in house of relatives and income < or = 300 euros/month were the associated sociodemographic variables. The risk factors associated are recent worsening of health, living with a mentally ill person, excessive consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, arguing frequently with relatives or the dependence on someone to carry out a daily activity. The signs in the physical examination associated are dehydration/malnutrition, pressure ulcers and poor body and/or mouth hygiene. There is a high extent of suspicion of elder abuse and the keyword in this respect is prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Pérez-Cárceles
- Institute of Research into Aging, Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
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