A cross sectional study to assess the magnitude of elderly abuse and its associated factors in the urban field practice area of a Government Medical College, Bengaluru

Abstract

Introduction

Elderly abuse is a distressing and widespread societal concern. Abuse of elders encompasses physical,

psychological, verbal, and financial abuse. Understanding this challenge is crucial to safeguard the rights and

dignity of the ageing population.

Objectives

To assess the magnitude of elderly abuse and its associated factors in the urban field practice area of a

Government Medical College, Bengaluru.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the elderly population in the urban field

practice area of a Government Medical College, Bengaluru. Using the simple random sampling method, 150 study

participants were selected and elderly abuse was assessed using the Hwalek - Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening

Test.

Results

Out of the 150 study participants, 17.3% experienced abuse. The most common type of abuse was psychological

abuse (16%). Factors such as age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, current living arrangement,

financial dependency, presence of any comorbidities, etc., were found to be significantly associated with abuse

(p<0.05).

Conclusion

Abuse was prevalent amongst the elderly population, and psychological abuse was the most common type of

abuse. Victims of abuse were reluctant to report the abuse due to the lack of awareness and in order to avoid social

stigmatization.