Estimation of elder abuse and its associated factors in a rural area of Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The Indian population experiencing rapid ageing. By 2050, elderly would be 19.5% of the total population. The increasing elderly in society brings with new social problems having tremendous health impact. Elder abuse is a serious but neglected social problem that has adverse consequence on health. Objective: To measure the prevalence of elder abuse and to determine associated factors of elder abuse. Method: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among elderly population aged 60 years and above in the Piparia village of Vadodara district. A sample of 126 study participants were nterviewed to collect data on prevalence of abuse and associated factors leading to abuse. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to draw conclusion from collected data. Results: Prevalence of elder abuse was found to be 28.57%. Emotional abuse was the commonest type of abuse reported. Socio economic status, family type, Tobacco use (Smoke and smokeless) were found to be significantly associated with elder abuse. Conclusion: Elder abuse is prevalent in rural Gujarat. Further evidence is needed to assess the magnitude of the problem and the type of intervention necessary to resolve it.