Open AccessPhysical Abuse of Urban Native Americans
Author(s) -
Buchwald Dedra,
Tomita Sue,
Hartman Suzanne,
Furman Richard,
Dudden Matthew,
Manson Spero M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2000.02359.x
Subject(s) - medicine , logistic regression , physical abuse , depression (economics) , suicide prevention , elder abuse , poison control , gerontology , injury prevention , demography , primary care , psychiatry , environmental health , child abuse , family medicine , economics , macroeconomics , sociology
To ascertain the extent of, and risk factors for, physical abuse among older urban American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), we conducted a chart review of 550 urban AI/AN primary care patients ≥50 years old seen during 1 year. Mistreatment was documented in 10%. A logistic regression found younger age ( P < .001), female gender ( P < .001), current depression ( P < .001), and dependence on others for food ( P < .05) to be significant correlates of physical abuse. In only 31% of instances of definite abuse were the authorities notified. We conclude that providers should be alert to the possibility of physical mistreatment among older urban AI/ANs. Improvements in detection and management are sorely needed.