Patterns, perpetrators, and determinants of elder abuse in urban areas of Edo state, south-south Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Elder abuse is rapidly gaining attention as a concern globally, undermining not only the health, dignity, and quality of life of older adults but also having attendant social and public health consequences. Nevertheless, in Nigeria and several parts of the world, it is often underreported and neglected. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, perpetrators, and factors associated with elder abuse in two urban communities of Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 elderly persons in Benin and Uromi, Edo State, from November 2019 to February 2020, using multistage sampling.

Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.

Results: The respondents had a mean age of 69.6 ± 7.8 years, with more than half aged 60-69 years (55.3%). The prevalence of elder abuse was 29.2%, and the common types were emotional abuse (85.3%), neglect (84.0%), financial abuse (78.7%), and physical abuse (69.3%). The main perpetrators were children (50.7%), followed by house helps and caregivers (17.3%). Associated factors included educational status, financial dependency, living arrangements, health status, marital status, and age.

Conclusion: Elder abuse is a common and serious public health issue in the study setting. Hence, there is a need for social and welfare support, community-based awareness, and interventions to promote respectful ageing and enhance the prevention and early detection of elder abuse.