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Fettig N, Mitchell H, Gassoumis Z, Nizam Z, Whittier Eliason S, Cory S. Adult Maltreatment Risk Factors: Adding Community-Level Factors to an Individual-Level Field. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:5-21. [PMID: 36636944 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221137659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Adult maltreatment is a pervasive problem in the United States and has serious individual and societal consequences. Adult protective services (APS) agencies are the social services programs responsible for serving older adults and adults with disabilities who may be experiencing adult maltreatment. The adult maltreatment literature differentiates elder maltreatment from the maltreatment of adults with disabilities, yet APS agencies serve both groups. Understanding the etiology of adult maltreatment as well as the associated risk and protective factors is crucial for APS workers, clinical practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. To advance the evidence in this area, we undertook a scoping review to examine recent evidence on risk and protective factors associated with adult maltreatment. Searches of nine electronic databases were conducted in 2020 to identify studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2010. A total of 29 studies were included in the final review. The findings identified several categories of risk factors associated with the individual: demographic traits, socioeconomic characteristics, physical and mental health, interpersonal issues, and historical events. Several studies identified caregiver and alleged perpetrator risk factors. However, the current body of research lacks community and contextual risk and protective factors. Therefore, we present several potential data sources that may be leveraged to examine the links between social-contextual characteristics and adult maltreatment. These data may be combined with APS data to advance the field's understanding of risk and protective factors through advanced analytic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zainab Nizam
- WRMA, Inc., a TriMetrix Company, Arlington, VA, USA
| | | | - Scott Cory
- Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC, USA
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Nyarko-Odoom A, Lisha NE, Yank V, Kotwal A, Balogun S, Huang AJ. Elder Mistreatment Experienced by Older Caregiving Adults: Results from a National Community-Based Sample. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:1709-1716. [PMID: 36717433 PMCID: PMC10212890 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With an aging population, older adults are increasingly serving as caregivers to others, which may increase their risk of adverse interpersonal experiences. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and types of elder mistreatment experienced by older caregiving adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis PARTICIPANTS: National sample of community-dwelling US adults over age 60 in 2015-2016. MAIN MEASURES Caregiving (assisting another adult with day-to-day activities) was assessed by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Experience of elder mistreatment was assessed by participant-reported questionnaire in three domains: emotional, physical, and financial. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between caregiving status and each domain of elder mistreatment, adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, marital status, concomitant care-receiving status, overall physical and mental health, and cognitive function. Additional logistic regression models examined associations between being the primary caregiver (rather than a secondary caregiver) and each domain of mistreatment among older caregivers. KEY RESULTS Of the 1898 participants over age 60 (including 1062 women and 836 men, 83% non-Hispanic white, and 64% married or partnered), 14% reported serving as caregivers for other adults, including 8% who considered themselves to be the primary caregiver. Among these older caregivers, 38% reported experiencing emotional, 32% financial, and 6% physical mistreatment after age 60. In multivariable models, caregiving was associated with experiencing both emotional mistreatment (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.15-2.25) and financial mistreatment (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.18-2.50). In analyses confined to caregiving older adults, those who served as primary rather than secondary caregivers for other adults had an over two-fold increased odds of emotional mistreatment (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.07, 4.41). CONCLUSION In this national cohort of older community-dwelling adults, caregiving was independently associated with experiencing emotional and financial mistreatment after age 60. Findings suggest that efforts to prevent or mitigate elder mistreatment should put more emphasis on vulnerable older caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akua Nyarko-Odoom
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Nadra E Lisha
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Yank
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ashwin Kotwal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seki Balogun
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alison J Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Jeon H, Kong J. Exploring Factors Associated with Perceived Changes in Severity of Elder Abuse: A Population-Based Study of Older Adults in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610033. [PMID: 36011668 PMCID: PMC9407731 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Elder abuse is a pressing problem that demands social attention in South Korea. This study aims to examine the characteristics of older adults and their family perpetrators that may influence the perceived severity of abuse by older adults using a nationally representative sample among older Koreans. We analyzed 952 community-dwelling older Koreans from a population-based survey of the Survey of Elderly Care and Welfare Need. The analytic sample of this study consisted of older adults who self-reported having been emotionally, physically, and financially abused or neglected by their family members or other primary caregivers. We used multinomial logistic regression models to predict perceived change in severity of abuse. Results showed that the abuse type and duration of abuse were significantly associated with the perceived change in the severity of abuse. Older victims' age, being female, and being married were also associated with greater risk for increased severity of abuse relative to no change, while older adults' better health status was associated with lower risk for increased severity of abuse. The findings of this study can help social work professionals identify older adults with heightened risk of abuse and protect the human rights of the most vulnerable aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haesang Jeon
- Department of Social Welfare, Jeonju University, Jeonju-si 55069, Korea
- Correspondence:
| | - Jooyoung Kong
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1350 University Avenue, Office 304, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Lee MJ, Ryu JH, Lee J. Psychological mistreatment by married children in Korea: using the contextual theory to explain mistreatment of aging parents and parents-in-law. J Elder Abuse Negl 2022; 34:174-197. [PMID: 35610967 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2022.2079039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Guided by the contextual theory of elder mistreatment, this study examined the psychological mistreatment (PM) of aging parents and parents-in-law by their married children and compared the risk factors of PM. We used nationally representative data on the adverse experiences of Korean adults in 2017 (n=2,974). Results showed similarities and differences in the PM of aging parents and parents-in-law. Common risk factors included children's sex, greater victimization experiences, and co-residence. Daughters and daughters-in-law were more likely than their male counterparts to psychologically mistreat parents and parents-in-law. While parents' PM was more frequent when children had a temporary work status and when parents were younger, PM of parents-in-law occurred more often when children had a full-time job, poor self-rated health, and a negative perception of family relations. These findings provide insights into policy intervention against PM, suggesting the need for complex prevention strategies for PM of aging parents and parents-in-law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jin Lee
- Department of Social Welfare, Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hee Ryu
- Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong, Korea
| | - Juyeon Lee
- Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong, Korea
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Liu PJ, Conrad KJ, Beach SR, Iris M, Schiamberg LB. The Importance of Investigating Abuser Characteristics in Elder Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Results from Adult Protective Services Data. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:897-907. [PMID: 28521064 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elder emotional/psychological abuse is the infliction of mental anguish on older adults through verbal or non-verbal acts. Using indicators based on existing literature, theoretically important abuser characteristics and victim vulnerabilities were collected using the Elder Abuse Decision Support System (EADSS) to test a theory of emotional/psychological abuse. METHOD Eight-hundred-and-ten alleged emotional/psychological abuse cases were investigated by caseworkers in six Illinois adult protective services (APS) agencies; 466 individuals endorsed at least one item on the Older Adult Psychological Abuse Measure (OAPAM). RESULTS Bivariate ordinary linear regression results established that all abuser characteristics were predictive of emotional/psychological abuse scores. In the hierarchical regression model where abuser characteristics were entered after victim vulnerabilities, abuser characteristics predicted emotional/psychological abuse above and beyond victim vulnerabilities (ΔR2 = 0.349, p < .001). Abuser risk and abuser's negative attitudes towards victims remained as significant predictors in the final model. Post hoc analysis identified significant items of abuser risk and negative attitudes, including: an emotionally draining relationship between abuser and victim, abuser's poor temper control, and abuser's angry feelings towards victims. DISCUSSION Abuser weaknesses and strengths as highlighted in the theoretical framework should be further investigated for future prevention and intervention in cases of emotional/psychological abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-Ju Liu
- Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Scott R Beach
- University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Madelyn Iris
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, St. Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lawrence B Schiamberg
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Social Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing
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DePrince AP, Olomi JM, Lee MS, Hasche LK, Casparian AM, Pettit LL. Exploring an Emerging Measurement Issue in Older Adult Maltreatment: Exploitation of Older Adults' Residences. J Trauma Dissociation 2020; 21:158-171. [PMID: 31762391 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2020.1692406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite nationwide housing challenges that might lead to the exploitation of older adults' housing resources, exploitation of older adults' residences has not been a focus of measurement in the rapidly developing field of elder abuse and neglect. Rather, measures of older adult abuse and exploitation used in the research literature emphasize specific property, money, or resources being taken. Two composites are used to illustrate exploitation of older adults' residences by trusted others on whom the older adults depended with potentially serious implications for environmental safety and ultimately the older adults' housing stability. As part of a larger study on older adult maltreatment, police reports were coded for abuse and financial exploitation as well as misuse of the older adult's residence that threatened the older adult's housing security and/or exerted control over the older adult. Nearly one in ten (9.2%) police reports involving older adult victims and known/trusted perpetrators described exploitation of residences. Residence exploitation was separable from financial exploitation and less likely to co-occur with neglect. Considering the importance of housing stability to older adult well-being, consequences of maltreatment by a known/trusted other, and a national housing crisis, we propose that exploitation of older adults' residences warrants further measurement and practice attention. Findings are relevant to advancing theory in older adult maltreatment (e.g., application of white-collar crime versus betrayal trauma and family violence theories).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P DePrince
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie M Olomi
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Leslie K Hasche
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
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Mahmoudian A, Torabi Chafjiri R, Alipour A, Shamsalinia A, Ghaffari F. The design and evaluation of psychometric properties for a questionnaire on elderly abuse by family caregivers among older adults on hemodialysis. Clin Interv Aging 2018; 13:555-563. [PMID: 29670340 PMCID: PMC5894715 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s149338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older adults with chronic disease are more vulnerable to abuse. Early and accurate detection of the elderly abuse phenomenon can help identify health-promoting solutions for the elderly, their family, and society. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on elderly abuse by family caregivers among older adults on hemodialysis. Methods Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used to develop the questionnaire. The item pool was compiled from literature reviews and the Delphi method. The literature reviews comprised 22 studies. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were verified using face, content, and construct validity, and the reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha reliability. Results A 57-item questionnaire was developed after the psychometric evaluation. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index and Bartlett's test of sphericity showed reliable results. Seven components from the exploratory content analysis including psychological misbehavior, authority deprivation, physical misbehavior, financial misbehavior, being abandoned, caring neglect, and emotional misbehavior explained 74.769% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.98 and the interclass correlation coefficient was r=0.91 responding to the items twice (p<0.001), which shows a high level of tool stability. Conclusion This study developed a questionnaire to assess elderly abuse by family caregivers among older adults on hemodialysis. It is recommended as a mini scale that can be used both in statistical and practical studies, and that is valid and reliable. Nurses or other health care providers can use it in health centers, dialysis centers, or at the house of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaneh Mahmoudian
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Razieh Torabi Chafjiri
- Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rudsar Shahid Ansari Hospital, Rudsar, Guilan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Alipour
- Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Sajjad Hospital, Ramsar, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shamsalinia
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffari
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Kong J, Jeon H. Functional Decline and Emotional Elder Abuse: A Population-Based Study of Older Korean Adults. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2018; 33:17-26. [PMID: 29977104 PMCID: PMC6028192 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-017-9941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elder abuse is an increasingly prevalent issue in South Korea. The current study examines the association between functional impairment and emotional abuse victimization in Korean adults 65 and older. We also examines the mediating roles of diverse aspects of family resources (i.e., older adult's self-esteem, family cohesion, family assistance, contact with friends/neighbors, and participation in social activities) in the aforementioned association. METHODS We analyzed 9,691 community-dwelling older Koreans from a population-based survey of the 2009 Survey of Elderly Care and Welfare Need. We conducted a path analysis to analyze the mediational hypothesis. RESULTS About 11% of the study sample reported experiencing emotional abuse by a family member in the past year (n = 1,082). The results of the mediational analysis showed that greater ADL/IADL limitations were associated with a) reduced self-esteem and b) receiving more assistance from family, which were ultimately associated with increased risk of emotional abuse victimization. DISCUSSION Elder abuse is a family crisis that may occur as a result of maladaptation to the heightened long-term care needs of older family members. Practitioners should take into account older adults' vulnerability in terms of the loss of adaptive resources in the face of functional decline. This study further supports the importance of relieving the burden of family caregivers to avoid the incidence of emotional elder abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Kong
- Center for Healthy Aging, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, 422 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Haesang Jeon
- Research Department for Women's Human Rights & Safety, Korean Women's Development Institute, 225, Jinheung-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul 03367, Korea
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine the pathways through which interpersonal relationship strain and loneliness (stressors) influence elder mistreatment. In addition, the study tested the buffer effects of social support within the stressor-mistreatment relationship. METHOD Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 897 randomly selected older adults in rural Tamil Nadu, India. Mediation and moderation models were tested using the process module. RESULTS Results showed that, in addition to the direct effects, interpersonal problems also influenced mistreatment via loneliness (partially mediating model). In the moderation model, social support buffered the influence of interpersonal strain on mistreatment (unconditional direct effect) and also buffered the influence of interpersonal strain on mistreatment through loneliness (conditional indirect effects). DISCUSSION Intervention on mistreatment should involve elimination of risk factors and strengthening of social resources.
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Hansen MC, Flores DV, Coverdale J, Burnett J. Correlates of depression in self-neglecting older adults: A cross-sectional study examining the role of alcohol abuse and pain in increasing vulnerability. J Elder Abuse Negl 2016; 28:41-56. [PMID: 26716386 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2015.1136252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Self-neglect among older adults results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Depression is strongly linked to self-neglect and when untreated, severely complicates management of health and functional outcomes. The study aims to identify factors correlated with depression to inform approaches to service recruitment and retention that improve long-term outcomes. The sample included urban community-dwelling older adults (n = 96) 65 years of age and older with Adult Protective Services-substantiated self-neglect. All participants completed a range of validated cognitive, functional, and self-report demographic and clinical measures around health and mental health functioning. A secondary data analysis using multivariable logistic regression revealed that a positive screen for alcohol abuse, low self-rated health, and higher self-reported pain were associated with significantly higher odds of self-reported depression. Further research is needed to understand the temporality between these correlates and depression and to inform prevention and intervention practices for self-neglecting older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa C Hansen
- a School of Social Work , California State University, Long Beach , Long Beach , California , USA.,b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment (TEAM) Institute , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - David V Flores
- b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment (TEAM) Institute , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - John Coverdale
- b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment (TEAM) Institute , Houston , Texas , USA.,c Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , Texas , USA.,d Harris Health System , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Jason Burnett
- b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment (TEAM) Institute , Houston , Texas , USA.,d Harris Health System , Houston , Texas , USA.,e Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine , UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA.,f Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
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Donder LD, Lang G, Ferreira-Alves J, Penhale B, Tamutiene I, Luoma ML. Risk factors of severity of abuse against older women in the home setting: A multinational European study. J Women Aging 2016; 28:540-554. [DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2016.1223933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Mosqueda L, Burnight K, Gironda MW, Moore AA, Robinson J, Olsen B. The Abuse Intervention Model: A Pragmatic Approach to Intervention for Elder Mistreatment. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:1879-83. [PMID: 27550723 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ten percent of older adults experience elder mistreatment, and it is much more common in older adults with dementia. It is associated with higher rates of psychological distress, hospitalization, and death and, in the United States, costs billions of dollars each year. Although elder mistreatment is relatively common and costly, it is estimated that fewer than 10% of instances of elder mistreatment are reported. Given these data, there is a great need for research on interventions to mitigate elder mistreatment and for a practical model or framework to use in approaching such interventions. Although many theories have been proposed, adapted, and applied to understand elder mistreatment, there has not been a simple, coherent framework of known risk factors of the victim, perpetrator, and environment that applies to all types of abuse. This article presents a new model to examine the multidimensional and complex relationships between risk factors. Theories of elder mistreatment, research on risk factors for elder mistreatment, and 10 years of experience of faculty and staff at an Elder Abuse Forensics Center who have investigated more than 1,000 cases of elder mistreatment inform this model. It is hoped that this model, the Abuse Intervention Model, will be used to study and intervene in elder mistreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mosqueda
- Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Kerry Burnight
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Melanie W Gironda
- Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alison A Moore
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jehni Robinson
- Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bonnie Olsen
- Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Bolsoni CC, Coelho EBS, Giehl MWC, d´Orsi E. Prevalence of violence against the elderly and associated factors - a population based study in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GERIATRIA E GERONTOLOGIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-98232016019.150184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of violence among the elderly and to analyze its association with demographic, socioeconomic and health conditions. Method: A cross sectional population-based study was conducted of 1,705 individuals aged 60 years or older living in the city of Florianópolis in the state of Santa Catarina, between 2009 to 2010. Verbal, psychological, physical and financial violence was evaluated with a questionnaire used in the Pesquisa Saúde Bem-estar e Envelhecimento (Health and Well-being in Aging Survey) (SABE). Prevalence was calculated for each type of violence and the overall prevalence of violence was identified using the categories of the explanatory variables. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with violence. Results: The general prevalence of violence was approximately 13.0%, while verbal violence occurred among 11.0% of respondents. The adjusted analysis showed that being female (OR=2.08) and elderly persons who were single or divorced were 66% more likely to suffer violence. Those who lived with their children or grandchildren were twice as likely to suffer violence (95% CI: 1:40 to 3:40). Conclusions: Although the results showed that the prevalence of violence against the elderly was greater than predicted by the WHO, we suspect that this number may be even higher. Due to the complexity of the theme, it is possible that elderly persons are afraid to reveal that they are victims of violence, as in most cases, the aggressors are family members.
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Pillemer K, Burnes D, Riffin C, Lachs MS. Elder Abuse: Global Situation, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2016; 56 Suppl 2:S194-205. [PMID: 26994260 PMCID: PMC5291158 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Elder mistreatment is now recognized internationally as a pervasive and growing problem, urgently requiring the attention of health care systems, social welfare agencies, policymakers, and the general public. In this article, we provide an overview of global issues in the field of elder abuse, with a focus on prevention. DESIGN AND METHODS This article provides a scoping review of key issues in the field from an international perspective. RESULTS By drawing primarily on population-based studies, this scoping review provided a more valid and reliable synthesis of current knowledge about prevalence and risk factors than has been available. Despite the lack of scientifically rigorous intervention research on elder abuse, the review also identified 5 promising strategies for prevention. IMPLICATIONS The findings highlight a growing consensus across studies regarding the extent and causes of elder mistreatment, as well as the urgent need for efforts to make elder mistreatment prevention programs more effective and evidence based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Pillemer
- Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
| | - David Burnes
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine Riffin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mark S Lachs
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
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Exploring the boundaries between interpersonal and financial institution mistreatment of older people through a social ecology framework. AGEING & SOCIETY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x14001433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTInterpersonal financial abuse of older people is well documented but the potential role of financial institutions is rarely examined. Financial institution mistreatment describes direct and indirect practices by financial institutions that threaten the financial wellbeing of older people. This analysis was based on a survey of community-dwelling older people (N = 2,021) aged 65 years and older, and examined self-reports of interpersonal and financial institution mistreatment. The prevalence of interpersonal financial abuse was reported by nearly 2 per cent of respondents compared to 1 per cent for financial institution mistreatment. The socio-demographic and health characteristics of the group who experienced interpersonal financial mistreatment were different from those who reported financial institution mistreatment. The boundaries between the two phenomena were explored using a social ecology framework that reflects the influences of ageism and normative practices on elder abuse. The study confirms previous international evidence on interpersonal financial abuse and provides preliminary data on financial mistreatment by financial institutions. The evidence has implications for policy and current preventative strategies that tend to ignore the influence of macro-contextual factors such as legislative and institutional normative practices, government policies and societal attitudes that can act aspermissorsof some types of financial mistreatment.
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Jackson SL, Hafemeister TL. The Impact of Relationship Dynamics on the Detection and Reporting of Elder Abuse Occurring in Domestic Settings. J Elder Abuse Negl 2015; 27:121-45. [DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2015.1008085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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