The Relationship Between the Chronicity and Severity of Abuse, Socio-economics, Psychosocial Factors, and Mental Health
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The abuse and mental health of older persons are sources of great concern. However, there are limited data on the relation between the chronicity (frequency of abuse) by severity (minor, severe) of abuse (e.g. psychological, physical) and mental health (e.g. depression). Women/men aged 60–84 years from seven European cities (n=4,467) participated in this study, and data were analysed with bivariate/multivariate methods. High chronicity (frequency, median/above) of psychological and physical abuse independently of severity was related to depression and anxiety; financial and overall abuse to anxiety; and minor financial abuse and overall abuse to depression. Regressions showed that some factors (e.g. being from Greece) were associated with a lower depression/anxiety “risk” and others (e.g. low social support) with high risk. Low chronicity (frequency, below median) of psychological abuse was associated with a lower anxiety risk. The management of depression/anxiety, particularly anxiety, among elders should also consider the roles of abuse and social support.
Language: English
Topic: Elder Abuse and Neglect
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1494586344