Elder abuse and neglect in Zaria northern Nigeria

The aim of this study was to determine the nature and extent of elder abuse and neglect among community dwelling elderly in Zaria, Nigeria.

Community dwelling elderly in Zaria city North-western Nigeria were interviewed;. they were interviewed using a data collecting sheet designed to obtain socio-demographic data and an instrument designed to detect abuse and neglect in the elderly. The data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 13 for Windows.

Three hundred and fifty one elderly people participated in the study out of which 211(60.1%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 73.90 years (95%CI=.72.96-74.84 years) There was no case of physical, financial or psychological abuse. However, 125(35.6%) participants suffered possible neglect in terms of personal care and hygiene. Increasing age, lack of formal education, receiving pension, not having a spouse and self reported poor health status were significantly associated with elder possible neglect in this community.

Elder abuse was uncommon in this community like in other communities in the developing countries. However, possible neglect of personal care and hygiene of the elderly was common and that might be due to poor economic status of both the elderly and his other caregiver.