Factors Associated With Elder Abuse According to the Levels of Social Determinants in Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with elder abuse according to the levels of social determinants.

This is a quantitative and multicentric study, with a cross-sectional cut. It was developed in two teaching hospitals in Paraíba, Brazil, with 323 older adults, from July 2019 to February 2020. Data were collected using the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test and Conflict Tactics Scale-1 and then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

There was a significant association between risk for violence and female gender ( p = 0.004), residing with grandchildren ( p = 0.025), and having four or more comorbidities ( p < 0.00). Physical violence was associated with income ( p = 0.048). A positive correlation was observed between the number of comorbidities and the risk for violence score ( p < 0.001), psychological violence ( p = 0.004), and physical violence ( p = 0.005). The probability of presenting a risk to violence increased by 2.08 times for women, 1.03 times for those who were illiterate, and 7.03 times for those with four or more comorbidities.

The social determinants of health that integrate the macrosystem, such as income and number of comorbidities, correlate with situations of violence.