Abuse and neglect of older persons in seven cities in seven countries in Europe: a cross-sectional community study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Lindert, J (Author) Other; de Luna, J (Author) Other; Torres Gonzales, F (Author) Other; Barros H (Author) FMUP; Ioannidi Kopolou, E (Author) Other; Melchiorre, MG (Author) Other; Stankunas, M (Author) Other; Macassa, G (Author) Other; Soares, JFJ (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Public Health

Vol. 58

Pages: 121-132

ISSN: 1661-8556

Publisher: Swiss School of Public Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 43 Citations

Scopus - 46 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-0R6

DOI: 10.1007/s00038-012-0388-3

Abstract (EN): We aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, neglect) of older persons (AO) in seven cities from seven countries in Europe (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), and to assess factors potentially associated with AO. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 (n = 4,467, aged 60-84). Potentially associated factors were grouped into domains (domain 1: age, gender, migration history; domain 2: education, occupation; domain 3: marital status, living situation; domain 4: habitation, income, financial strain). We calculated odds ratios (OR) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Psychological AO was the most common form of AO, ranging from 10.4 % (95 % CI 8.1-13.0) in Italy to 29.7 % (95 % CI 26.2-33.5) in Sweden. Second most common form was financial AO, ranging from 1.8 % (95 % CI 0.9-3.2) in Sweden to 7.8 % (95 % CI 5.8-10.1) in Portugal. Less common was physical AO, ranging from 1.0 % (95 % CI 0.4-2.1) in Italy to 4.0 % (95 % CI 2.6-5.8 %) in Sweden. Sexual AO was least common, ranging from 0.3 (95 % CI 0.0-1.1) in Italy and Spain to 1.5 % (95 % CI 0.7-2.8) in Greece. Being from Germany (AOR 3.25, 95 % CI 2.34-4.51), Sweden (OR 3.16, 95 % CI 2.28-4.39) or Lithuania (AOR 2.45, 95 % CI 1.75-3.43) was associated with increased prevalence rates of AO. Country of residence of older people is independent from the four assessed domains associated with AO. Life course perspectives on AO are highly needed to get better insight, and to develop and implement prevention strategies targeted at decreasing prevalence rates of AO.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12