Older People's Perceptions of the Term Elder Abuse and Characteristics Associated With a Lower Level of Awareness

TY - JOUR

T1 - Older People's Perceptions of the Term Elder Abuse and Characteristics Associated With a Lower Level of Awareness

AU - Naughton, Corina

AU - Drennan, Jonathan

AU - Lafferty, Attracta

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - A national representative survey of 2,021 community-dwelling older people was carried out in 2010 using face-to-face interviews. The study examined how the term 'elder abuse' was understood by this population and identified factors associated with lower levels of awareness. Over 80% of this population recognised the term elder abuse and 56% demonstrated specific insight related to typologies, locations and perpetrators of abuse. Less specific responses were given by 22% of participants and a further 21% could not give a reply. Less specific or 'don't know' responses were independently associated with age 80 years or older, a lower level of education, impaired physical health, and living in economically-deprived communities. Despite on-going public information campaigns there remained a significant portion of older people who may be unaware of or have limited insight into elder abuse. This study suggests a need for more targeted education campaigns aimed at specific higher risk groups.

AB - A national representative survey of 2,021 community-dwelling older people was carried out in 2010 using face-to-face interviews. The study examined how the term 'elder abuse' was understood by this population and identified factors associated with lower levels of awareness. Over 80% of this population recognised the term elder abuse and 56% demonstrated specific insight related to typologies, locations and perpetrators of abuse. Less specific responses were given by 22% of participants and a further 21% could not give a reply. Less specific or 'don't know' responses were independently associated with age 80 years or older, a lower level of education, impaired physical health, and living in economically-deprived communities. Despite on-going public information campaigns there remained a significant portion of older people who may be unaware of or have limited insight into elder abuse. This study suggests a need for more targeted education campaigns aimed at specific higher risk groups.

U2 - 10.1080/08946566.2013.867242

DO - 10.1080/08946566.2013.867242

M3 - Article

C2 - 24329480

SN - 1540-4129

VL - 26

SP - 300

EP - 318

JO - Journal of elder abuse & neglect

JF - Journal of elder abuse & neglect

IS - 3

ER -