Predicting Factors on Domestic Elder Abuse

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate predicting factors of domestic elder abuse: perpetrators’ behaviors, elders’ behaviors, social support, and domestic elder abuse, and to examine the predictive ability of these factors to domestic elder abuse. The sample was 253 elders obtained from convenience sampling and came to receive services at the Tertiary Hospital in Bangkok. Data were collected via interview using demographic questionnaires, Family Member at Risk Abuse Questionnaire, Elder’s Behavior Assessment, and Social Support Appraisal. Data analyses used were descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression. The findings showed that most elders who had been abused were female (57.3%) including psychological abuse (63.6%), neglect (59.7%), exploitation (57.7%), violation of rights (54.2%), and physical abuse (9.5%). Factors predicting domestic elder abuse included: family members with psychological problems, being dependent on elders, elder’s behaviors and social support. These factors could predict 58.5% of domestic elder abuse. (R² = 0.585, p<.05).
This study suggests that nurses should care for families with members having psychological problems, being dependent on elders, having low social support and elders’ behaviors. Further study should be conducted to develop a program and to improve the environment to reduce domestic abuse situations.