Results
Title

Prevalence of elderly abuse and its associated risk factors in Anakaputhur, Chengalpattu district: A cross-sectional study.

Authors

Baskaran, Gayathri; T., Stephen; S., Hariharan; Viswanath, Subhashini

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse refers to any act causing harm or distress to an elderly person in a relationship. This can include physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse. About one in six people aged 60 and above report experiencing such abuse. Cases have increased post-COVID. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse in Anakaputhur, Chengalpattu district, and assess the associated risk factors. METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study was done among 294 elderly population 60 years and above. Systematic random sampling was employed. Socio-demographic data and validated questionnaire to access the elderly abuse using Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS). Data analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The study included 294 participants. Among them, 231 (78.6%) were aged above 70 years, 150 (51%) were female, 114 (38.8%) were illiterate, and 204 (69.4%) lived in nuclear families. These groups showed a higher probability of experiencing abuse. The overall prevalence of elder abuse was 30.6%. These demographic factors were statistically signiϔicant in relation to elder abuse. CONCLUSION: Elder abuse is common in urban Chennai and is underreported. Appropriate interventions are required to ameliorate the problem.

Subjects

PSYCHOLOGICAL abuse; OLDER people; STATISTICAL sampling; NUCLEAR families; COVID-19 pandemic; ABUSE of older people

Publication

Pravara Medical Review, 2024, Vol 16, Issue 3, p65

ISSN

0975-0533

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.36848/PMR/2024/90000.90110