Elder abuse: Nationwide findings among community-dwelling Malaysian older persons
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2020
Abstract
Aim Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. This study aims to estimate its prevalence and associated factors, using representative national Malaysian data. Methods A nationwide population-based survey involving 3977 community-dwelling older persons aged >= 60 years was conducted via face-to-face interview, of whom 3466 older persons were eligible for screening using a locally validated tool. Elder abuse was defined as any one occurrence of neglect, financial, psychological, physical or sexual abuse perpetrated by someone in a position of trust that was experienced in the past 12 months. Results About 9.0% of older persons in Malaysia have experienced elder abuse in the past 12 months, with neglect being the commonest type experienced (7.5%; 95% confidence interval CI]: 5.54, 10.07). There is no significant difference by age group and geographical location. Males (adjusted odds ratio aOR] 1.7; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.60), poorer social support (aOR 5.0; 95% CI: 2.25, 11.22), dependency in activities of daily living (aOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.44) and a previous history of abuse (aOR 10.1; 95% CI: 4.50, 22.86) show higher odds of experiencing elder abuse. Almost 5% of abused older persons reported experiencing multiple types of abuse. Reporting is low at 19.3% with none reporting to healthcare personnel. Conclusions The prevalence of elder abuse in this study is lower than global estimates, but similar to local studies. Preventive measures and programs are crucial to overcoming elder abuse and need to be carried out at multiple levels - the individual, community, healthcare and other stakeholders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 85-91.
Keywords
Community, Elder abuse, National Health and Morbidity Survey, Neglect, Older persons
Divisions
Socialprevent
Funders
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Publication Title
Geriatrics & Gerontology International
Volume
20
Issue
2
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA