Suspicion of elder abuse in South Eastern Spain: The extent and risk factors

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 an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2009-07, Vol.49 (1), p.132-137
Main Authors: Pérez-Cárceles, M.D, Rubio, L, Pereniguez, J.E, Pérez-Flores, D, Osuna, E, Luna, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Catchment Area (Health)
Cross-Sectional Studies
Elder abuse
Elder Abuse - diagnosis
Elder Abuse - statistics & numerical data
Elder abuse in Spain
Female
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Medical examinations
Oral Hygiene
Physical Examination
Pressure Ulcer - diagnosis
Pressure Ulcer - epidemiology
Prevalence
Primary care of the elderly
Risk Factors
Risk factors of elder abuse
Spain
Spain - epidemiology
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary: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 ≥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, ≥75 years, widowhood, living alone or with children, accommodation in house of relatives and income ≤300€/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.
ISSN:0167-4943
1872-6976
DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2008.06.002