Elder abuse in Norwegian nursing homes: a cross-sectional exploratory study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nursing

Background:

• Elder abuse is a growing global concern, particularly in institutional care where residents are vulnerable.
• National studies on the prevalence of staff-to-resident abuse in nursing homes are limited.
• This study addresses the need to understand elder abuse within Norwegian nursing homes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of observed and perpetrated staff-to-resident abuse in Norwegian nursing homes.
• To identify types of abuse most commonly observed and perpetrated.
• To explore demographic factors associated with staff perpetration of abuse.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of nursing staff in 100 randomly selected Norwegian nursing homes.
• Data collected on observed and self-reported incidents of neglect and psychological, physical, financial/material, and sexual abuse over the past year.
• Analysis of abuse rates disaggregated by nursing staff's gender, age, and education.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of elder abuse was reported, with 76% of staff observing abuse and 60.3% reporting perpetration.
• Psychological abuse and neglect were the most frequently reported forms of abuse.
• Male staff reported more physical abuse, while female staff reported more neglect. Higher education correlated with increased self-reported psychological abuse, physical abuse, and neglect.

Conclusions:

• Staff-to-resident abuse is prevalent in Norwegian nursing homes, indicating a significant issue.
• Findings underscore the necessity for developing and implementing preventive strategies.
• Interventions are crucial to enhance the quality of life and safety of nursing home residents.