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Is greater social support a protective factor against elder mistreatment?
1Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. xinqi_dong@rush.edu
Gerontology
|July 5, 2008
Summary
Greater social support significantly reduces the risk of elder mistreatment (EM). This study highlights the protective role of social connections in preventing EM among older adults in China.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Elder mistreatment (EM) is a widespread global health concern and a violation of human rights.
- Previous research indicates EM is prevalent in urban Chinese populations, but risk and protective factors remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between social support and the risk of elder mistreatment.
- The study hypothesized that increased social support correlates with a decreased risk of EM.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a major urban medical center in Nanjing, China.
- 412 adults aged 60+ were surveyed using the Social Support Index (SSI) and the modified Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS).
Main Results:
- Elder mistreatment was identified in 35% of participants.
- Factors associated with lower EM risk included having someone to talk to, receive advice from, show affection, assist with chores, confide in, and provide emotional support.
- Each point increase in total social support score was linked to a 6% lower EM risk (OR=0.94). Greater overall social support showed a 59% reduced risk (OR=0.41).
Conclusions:
- Elevated social support may serve as a protective factor against elder mistreatment in this population.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these findings.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing social support could be effective in preventing elder mistreatment.
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