The incidence and influencing factors of elder abuse and neglect

Aim This study was conducted to determine the level of abuse and neglect of individuals over the age of 65 years and the factors influencing it. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional, population-based, descriptive study was conducted on 455 elderly persons in Turkey. At data collection, a socio-demographic form, which was developed by the researcher herself, an abuse evaluation form with six Likert-type questions, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Perceived Emotional Abuse Scale for Adults (PEASA) were used. Results Of the participants, 26.8% experienced physical abuse, 26.9% financial abuse, 12.6% sexual abuse and 56.5% neglect and psychological abuse at an intermediate level. The average score of the ADL index was 11.0 +/- 3.3. This score shows that these elderly individuals were semi-independent. Conclusion The rate of abuse and neglect was found to be intermediate. There was a positive relationship between abuse of the elderly and their ADL index.