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http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9142
Title: | Elder abuse among outpatient department attendees in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. |
Authors: | Edirisinghe, P.A.S. Paranitharn, P. Perera, W.N.S. Williams, S.S. |
Keywords: | Elder abuse |
Issue Date: | 2014 |
Publisher: | Sri Lanka Medical Association |
Citation: | The Ceylon Medical Journal.2014; 59(3): 84-89 |
Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: Abuse of older people is a hidden problem. Some believe that it is less in Asian societies as the extended family is a protective factor. The real extent of the problem however, is not researched adequately in Sri Lanka. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the North Colombo Teaching Hospital on 530 consecutive adults above 60 years of age attending the out-patient department. The Hwalek-Sengstock elder abuse screening test with modifications to address socio-cultural differences was administered. A brief demographic questionnaire and questions on past and present abuse were also included. RESULTS: Out of 530 elders studied, 32 (6%) were above 80 years of age and the mean age was 68.5 years. Male to female ratio was 1:2. Abuse, either physical, psychological, verbal or neglect was reported by 239 (45%) elders. Physical abuse was reported by 5.6%. The screening test revealed that the study population was vulnerable to psychological and financial abuse. Total overall rate of abuse was 38.5%. Loneliness was reported by 26%. Of the caregivers, 22% were financially dependent on the elders. Having more than three children was a risk factor for psychological and financial abuse and being single was a risk factor for psychological abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Physical, emotional and financial abuse of elders were reported in our study population. A limitation of this study was that it studied elders who sought treatment at a tertiary care hospital. Community studies will be needed to establish the true prevalence of elder abuse. |
Description: | Indexed in MEDLINE |
URI: | http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9142 |
ISSN: | 0009-0875 (Print) |
Appears in Collections: | Journal/Magazine Articles |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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edirisinghe.cmj.2014-84.pdf | 80.15 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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