Elder abuse and its predictors: a cross‐sectional study in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India

Abstract

Background: Elder abuse is an important public health problem hidden from public view in spite of its detrimental effect on physical and mental health. In the last three decades, there is responsiveness toward abuse of children and spouses worldwide but even today abuse and neglect of aged people seem to be the matter of least concern. This study aims to reveal the magnitude of elder abuse and its predictors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a community setting among elderly people (60 years and older) from October 2015 to September 2017 in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India. Elder abuse was elicited by questions adapted from the Actual Abuse Tool. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 16.0). Logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the factors associated with elder abuse. Results: The study found that 25.6% of the respondents had experienced abuse, psychological abuse being the commonest type. Disability was the most common perceived risk for abuse. Univariate logistic regression showed higher age (70 years and older), female gender, who were Scheduled caste, living in a nuclear family, having more than three children, financially and functionally dependent, who was suffering from depression and multimorbidity had increased odds of being abused. In multivariable logistic regression, people aged above 70 years, living in a nuclear family and dependent for instrumental activities of daily living remained significant predictors of abuse. Conclusion: Around one in four of the respondents was abused in a 1 year duration which implies the urgent need for action. Routine screening for elder abuse at ground level and abuse prevention campaigns can be an important measure to alleviate this hidden problem. Also, there is a need to explore culturally specific forms of elder abuse to provide an age-friendly environment.

Socio-economic inequality in the prevalence of violence against older adults – Findings from India

“…Using the BKPAI data of 2011, we tried to understand the socio-economic inequality for is becoming more and more prevalent in India [18], [28], [29]. Our finding on the highest percentage of verbal abuse experienced by the older adults is consistent with past studies Our finding that the likelihood of experiencing violence increases with age contradicts with studies [31], [32], [34].…”

“…Further, Abusing the older is linked to disability and functional limitation [15]. Some determinants influence the greater risk of older adults' violence such as the older person having low education, belong to low-income groups, and poor social status [6], [8], [18]. Although there are other facets of certain risk factors that create such an environment against older adults in physical violence and verbal abuse, however, it has not been extensively understood in the Indian scenario.…”

“…Though most of the studies found that a high incidence violence against older adults exists in low socio-economic strata of the society, however, it has not been frequently reported in many communities and therefore is highly underreported [6], [8], [18], [19]. The low coverage of such reporting is caused by several reasons such as inaccessible institutional supports and a lack of information, education, and communication [8], [18]. For understanding this, a systematic review presented and identified the major causes like the older adult faces nearly 11.6% psychological abuse, 6.8% financial abuse, 4.2 neglect, 2.6% physical violence, and 0.9 percent sexual abuse [11].…”

“…However, still, these types of abuse and violence are underreported in most cases [19]. For that, the associated risk factors are comprised of physical disability, poor physical and mental health, and also from poor socio-economic conditions of the individuals [6], [18], [25]. The unprecedented growing social and public health issues like older adults' violence create disastrous for social values and health vulnerability [13], [17], [19].…”

Socio-economic inequality in the prevalence of violence against older adults – findings from India

“…India is no exception to the phenomenon of ageing. For example, according to the 2011 Census, India contributes 8.6% of the aged population and further, it is expected to increase to 20% in 2050 [ 3 ]. The increase in the aged population in every corner of the world has led to social and health problems and is accompanied by various forms of violence peretrated against the older adults.…”