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Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Elder Abuse and Neglect in the Community: A Population‐Based Study
Author(s) -
Burnes David,
Pillemer Karl,
Caccamise Paul L.,
Mason Art,
Henderson Charles R.,
Berman Jacquelin,
Cook Ann Marie,
Shukoff Denise,
Brownell Patricia,
Powell Mebane,
Salamone Aurora,
Lachs Mark S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/jgs.13601
Subject(s) - elder abuse , neglect , medicine , population , physical abuse , gerontology , ethnic group , poison control , psychological abuse , suicide prevention , injury prevention , psychiatry , child abuse , environmental health , sociology , anthropology
Objectives To estimate past‐year prevalence and identify risk and protective factors of elder emotional abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Design Cross‐sectional, population‐based study using random‐digit‐dial sampling and direct telephone interviews. Setting New York State households. Participants Representative (race, ethnicity, sex) sample (N = 4,156) of English‐ or Spanish‐speaking, community‐dwelling, cognitively intact individuals aged 60 and older. Measurements The Conflict Tactics Scale was adapted to assess elder emotional and physical abuse. Elder neglect was evaluated according to failure of a responsible caregiver to meet an older adult's needs using the Duke Older Americans Resources and Services ( OARS ) scale. Caseness thresholds were based on mistreatment behavior frequencies and elder perceptions of problem seriousness. Results Past‐year prevalence of elder emotional abuse was 1.9%, of physical abuse was 1.8%, and of neglect was 1.8%, with an aggregate prevalence of 4.6%. Emotional and physical abuse were associated with being separated or divorced, living in a lower‐income household, functional impairment, and younger age. Neglect was associated with poor health, being separated or divorced, living below the poverty line, and younger age. Neglect was less likely in older adults of Hispanic ethnicity. Conclusion Elder abuse and neglect are common problems, with divergent risk and protective factor profiles. These findings have direct implications for public screening and education and awareness efforts designed to prevent elder mistreatment.